Fast-growth insurance firm names new CFO

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Onetime Nationwide Insurance executive David Block has been named chief financial officer and treasurer of Gulfstream Property and Casualty Insurance, one of the fastest-growing insurance firms in the region.

Based in a Lakewood Ranch corporate park, Gulfstream provides homeowners, condo, renters, dwelling fire and flood coverage in five states. Gross written premiums are up in four consecutive years, and have grown 56% since 2011, from $62.8 million to $131.4 million in 2014. The firm's surplus is up 15.3% to $34 million in that time, and assets are up 15.1% to $109.8 million. The firm has ambitious growth plans.

Block, a certified public accountant, has 30 years experience in the insurance industry, according to a release. He most recently worked at QBE Insurance, where he handled expense management and had national oversight for the firm in several areas, including financial planning and analysis. Before QBE, Block worked at Nationwide and at tax and consulting firm Ernst & Young, where he specialized in property and casualty insurance, the release adds.

“Dave has had an outstanding 30-year career of financial leadership roles in the insurance industry,” Gulfstream President and CEO Doug Reynolds says in the release. “His expertise in financial planning for multi-billion dollar insurance operations, along with his extensive experience in the property and casualty industry, will be beneficial as Gulfstream continues its expansion into Gulf and Atlantic coast states.”

Founded in 2004, Gulfstream is licensed in seven states and currently operates in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.