MINNEAPOLIS -- Kristine (Kris) Westall has joined Collins, the nation's fastest growing reinsurance intermediary, as senior vice president, Accounting and Claims, bringing to her new position over 20 years' experience with reinsurance brokers in claims handling and fiduciary accounting.

"Our Fiduciary Accounting and Claims Department is an important, day-to-day touch-point with our insurance company clients and with reinsurers," explained Pat Denzer, president and chief executive officer. "The fiduciary accounting and claims functions have been strong cornerstones for Collins for many years.

"As our business continues to grow, these functions are especially critical to the continued delivery of excellent customer service," Denzer said. "Kris brings a strong background to her role, and will lead the efforts to further enhance this aspect of our service."

Prior to joining Collins, Westall worked for 20 years in accounting positions at reinsurance broker Benfield Group, most recently as senior vice president. She has served as session leader for the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA). A native of South Dakota, she holds a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota.