Brown & Riding, a Top 10 U.S. P&C wholesaler, has announced the appointment of Christopher Welty to Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Welty originally joined Brown & Riding in 2007 as an entry-level assistant in the company’s Human Resources department, when the firm had less than 50 employees and offices only in California. Over the years he has earned promotions and ascended to positions of increased responsibility. He has built a highly effective Human Resources department and has been a key contributor in establishing and promoting the firm’s culture. He continues to serve as the lead member of the company’s employee benefits committee, working closely with others to continually evaluate the firm’s 401(k), medical, dental, and other benefits plans, and he has been a strong advocate for some of the important benefit plan enhancements B&R has made over the years.
During his tenure, Welty helped successfully integrate the three companies of Brown & Riding, Alexander Morford & Woo, and Travis-Pedersen & Associates during their mergers in 2010 and 2012, respectively. He has seen the firm more than quintuple in growth and, today, he oversees the HR needs of over 250 employees. He has earned PHR and SHRM-CP designations, is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and currently works from the company’s Atlanta office.
Welty’s professional progression exemplifies B&R’s commitment to employee development and growth. The firm strives to cultivate and reward the expertise of its employees, and its long-term perpetuation strategy offers top professionals meaningful ownership opportunities, allowing B&R to remain 100% independent, so it can continue to put clients first, without the need to answer to outside interests or investors.
