Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies

Feb 16, 2023

Fintech News February 16, 2023 Dr. Speights brings more than 25 years of analytics strategy and leadership to Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, supporting its continued Workers Compensation market growth SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, (BHHC), Workers Compensation Division today announced the addition of Dr. David Speights to the Senior Leadership team as the Vice President of Analytics. Alongside Danny Engell, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting and Data Analytics Officer, Dr. Speights will lead the company’s analytics strategy and operational teams to advance the organization’s growth in this key business discipline. Leveraging his expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and predictive solutions, Dr. Speights will further enhance BHHC’s use of its decades of data and machine learning models to develop solutions that operationalize data intelligence across the company refining its current analytic practices. The addition of Dr. Speights to the organization will drive advanced predictive solutions that will continue to differentiate BHHC’s market presence as an industry leader in workers compensation insurance products and services. “Dr. Speights is an immensely talented leader and data scientist with substantial experience working with more than 100 of the world’s largest companies and government organizations to advance their analytical solutions and data-driven operations. He brings a depth of knowledge and education to our company that strategically positions us to deliver innovative customer solutions and drive operational efficiencies – which are key to our continued operating strengths,” said Rob Darby, President and CEO of BHHC. “He has a breadth of experience and talent with data science and modeling that supports BHHC’s goal of maintaining its competitive analytic market advantage.” Before joining BHHC, and for nearly two decades, Dr. Speights was the Chief Data Scientist of Appriss Corporate, which includes Appriss Retail, Appriss Insights, Appriss Health, and The Retail Equation along with a successful consulting business, Equity Decision Systems, LLC. Over the last two decades, his consulting engagements have included data analytics, solutions, and modeling engagements with companies like ASPCA, Hallmark, See’s Candies, Asurion Corporation, and more. He also held positions as the First Vice President of Credit Modeling at Washington Mutual Bank and Chief Statistician at HNC Insurance Solutions. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Speights to our organization,” said Danny Engell, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting and Data Analytics Officer. “His extensive experience with data analytics strategy and operations, along with his passion for big data and modeling, is a great asset as we continue to grow and diversify to meet the needs of our policyholders.” Dr. Speights earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a Master of Science in Biostatistics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics from the University of California Los Angeles. He holds various system and data collection patents, is a published author, including the lead author of the book “Essentials of Modeling and Analytics: Retail Risk Management and Asset Protection” and was an instructor for seminars and coursework on predictive modeling. He resides in Irvine, California, and will work out of the BHHC San Diego offices. About Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) are a group of six insurance carriers that are part of the Berkshire Hathaway insurance group. Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and with over 50 years in business, BHHC has evolved from a regional carrier to a national insurance group writing a diverse book of policies from coast to coast. The Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies include Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Insurance Company, BHHC Special Risks Insurance Company, Continental Divide Insurance Company, Cypress Insurance Company, Oak River Insurance Company, and Redwood Fire and Casualty Insurance Company. Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC) have earned an enviable record of success in the insurance industry. Supported by A.M. Best’s highest financial strength rating of A++ (Superior) ( as of February 1, 2023 ), our corporate size enables our organization to react swiftly and effectively to opportunities in the insurance marketplace. Our financial strength provides our employees, agency partners, and policyholders the security rarely available in today’s marketplace. Visit www.bhhc.com to learn more. Contacts