Our History
Founded in 1969 by Herbert W. Kaufman to deliver expansive insurance solutions to retail brokers and agents, the company has steadily grown into the foremost global organization in the specialty insurance industry. Today, Kaufman conducts business in more than 90 countries worldwide.
Herbert W. Kaufman
Founder
Our Founder
Building North America’s largest private specialty insurance firm was no small feat. The empire that is now H.W. Kaufman Group started with the vision of one man—Founder, Herbert W. Kaufman. Through his leadership, Herb was able to grow the company from virtually nothing to the multi-billion dollar organization that it is now, with over 60 offices around the globe and more than 2,000 employees – while sticking to his core values. Now, his son Alan Jay Kaufman stands at the helm of the organization, and while Herb is no longer with us, his vision and dream live on within the legacy he built.
Blazing a trail in specialty insurance took determination, foresight, and years of hard work. Herb began his career working at his father’s plumbing and real estate development businesses, handling all financial aspects. This early role included maintaining insurance, and it was this aspect of the family business that spurred his imagination. Soon, Herb was looking for an opportunity in the industry.
Kaufman Through The Years
1969-19841985-19931994-20042005-20112012-2024
With over five decades of industry leadership to our name, H.W. Kaufman Group continues to forge bold new paths in the insurance industry.
A Legacy of Excellence
Our industry leadership position today can be directly traced to the strong foundation initially established more than five decades ago. This story captures the company’s journey and explains why Kaufman is poised to build on our competitive advantage over the next generation and beyond while maintaining the family legacy.
History & Timeline
1969 2024
The Legacy Begins (1969)
Herbert W. Kaufman establishes Burns & Wilcox and begins serving independent retail insurance agents and brokers from one office in Southfield, MI.
Solidification of Family Run Business (1996)
Second-generation leader, Alan Jay Kaufman, acquires 100% of the company by taking it private.
H.W. Kaufman Group Goes International (2012)
H.W. Kaufman Group acquires Chesterfield Group, a London-based insurance broker and underwriting organization operating in the UK, U.S. and Canada. This strategic acquisition marked Kaufman’s first step into international markets. As part of the integration, Chesterfield Canada was rebranded as Burns & Wilcox Canada.
A Half Century of Innovation and Growth (2019)
H.W. Kaufman Group celebrates it’s 50-year anniversary.
Burns & Wilcox Expands to the United Kingdom (2020)
H.W. Kaufman Group acquires Barbican Protect and rebrands as Burns & Wilcox United Kingdom with offices in London, Manchester and Birmingham, England.