Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Appoints Kimberly Cooper as Chief Information Officer
Fort Lauderdale, FL, February 12, 2015 – Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: UVE) (“Universal” or the “Company”) today announced that Kimberly Cooper has been named Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), effective immediately.
Ms. Cooper, who joined Universal in 2007, will be responsible for the overall leadership of Universal’s information technology team, including development of technology strategy and ensuring that the Company’s systems, processes, infrastructure and security are optimized to support its operations and growth initiatives. Ms. Cooper most recently served as IT Audit Director within the Internal Audit Department.
Over her 15 year career, including seven years as an external auditor at a “Big Four” accounting firm, Ms. Cooper has gained significant experience in information technology, risk management, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency practices.
“During her eight years at Universal, Kimberly has played a key role in developing and implementing many of our key IT systems and processes while demonstrating valuable leadership abilities,” said Sean P. Downes, the Company’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Kimberly’s technology expertise, extensive experience and knowledge of Universal Insurance will help ensure that we have the right IT resources and strategy in place to support our ongoing growth initiatives.”
As the Company’s IT Audit Director, Ms. Cooper managed new application deployment and performed ongoing security and risk awareness training to improve operational efficiencies and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.
Before joining the Company, Ms. Cooper supervised audit and assurance engagements for Fortune 500 clients in the financial services industry, both domestically and internationally, as part of the systems and process assurance practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). She has been licensed as a Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA) and Certified in Risk and Information Security Controls (CRISC) since December of 2007. Ms. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of California, Berkeley.
About Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc. Universal Insurance Holdings, Inc., with its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is a vertically integrated insurance holding company performing all aspects of insurance underwriting, distribution and claims. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is one of the leading writers of homeowners insurance in Florida and is now fully licensed and has commenced its operations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Hawaii, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland and Delaware. American Platinum Property and Casualty Insurance Company, also a wholly-owned subsidiary, currently writes homeowners multi-peril insurance on Florida homes valued in excess of $1 million, which are limits and coverages currently not targeted through its affiliate UPCIC. For additional information on the Company, please visit our investor relations website at www.universalinsuranceholdings.com.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement was made. Such statements may include commentary on plans, products and lines of business, marketing arrangements, reinsurance programs and other business developments and assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future results could differ materially from those described and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations and future results, refer to the Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.
Investor Contact:
Andy Brimmer / Mahmoud Siddig
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
212-355-4449