About Us
Since our founding in 1969 by Herbert W. Kaufman, we have built a legacy of excellence as a multi-generational, family family-owned and operated organization. From brokerage and underwriting to risk management services – each Kaufman company offers innovative solutions that are at the forefront of the industry.
Our Vision
H.W. Kaufman Group is a global network of companies dedicated to shaping the insurance industry. Our success is drawn from a collaboration of unique insights, an unparalleled depth of resources and the highest level of expertise.
Strategic VisionTechnology & InnovationOur Mission
Our Values
We adhere to five core values that continually exceed the expectations of the brokers, associates, carriers, and partners that our companies serve.
IndependentCommunity FocusedCharitableIntegrityTechnologyOur Companies
In 2025, Kaufman announced the consolidation of its brands into Burns & Wilcox, RB Jones and Atain.
The move better position Kaufman to harness the best expertise of its team and scale its core businesses, which span specialty insurance brokerage, distribution, underwriting and risk-bearing companies worldwide.
The result will be a more unified global organization that works seamlessly across country, region and function to propel long term and sustainable growth.
We are privately owned and thus free from the influence of Wall Street. This allows us the ability to adapt to constantly fluctuating market conditions. From brokerage and underwriting to risk management services, our depth of services is unrivaled.
The Executive Team
Knowledgeable, compassionate, forward-thinking, and client-focused leadership was central to Herb Kaufman’s way of doing business. These individuals embody that spirit by guiding the H.W. Kaufman Group in the right direction every day.
Community Engagement
We are dedicated to giving back to the communities where we do business through multiple philanthropic efforts. We embrace our responsibility in dedicating time and resources to those organizations that are important to our communities and professionals.
Employee Resource Groups
We prioritize a culture grounded in family values that fosters and sustains a supportive and welcoming workplace. This belief is fundamental to our success as an organization.
By encouraging our associates to operate as their authentic selves, we will create an environment that enables our team to perform at their very best. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion will lead the industry and serve as a key driver in making Kaufman a sought-after professional destination.
Our History
With over five decades of industry leadership to our name, H.W. Kaufman Group continues to forge bold new paths in the insurance industry. Founded in 1969 by Herbert W. Kaufman to serve brokers and agents with specialty insurance products, we have steadily grown into the foremost global network of companies in the insurance industry. We conduct business in over 60 offices around the world, and we are just getting started.
Under the stewardship of Alan Jay Kaufman, we have grown to over $3.6 billion in annual premiums through a series of strategic acquisitions, technological advancements and organic growth.
1969 – The Legacy Begins
Herbert W. Kaufman establishes Burns & Wilcox and begins serving independent retail insurance agents and brokers from one office in Southfield, MI.
1996 – Solidification of Family Run Business
Second-generation leader, Alan Jay Kaufman, acquires 100% of the company by taking it private.
2019 – A Half Century of Innovation and Growth
H.W. Kaufman Group celebrates its 50 year anniversary
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