By Chris Munro

March 26 - (The Insurer) - The Target Markets Program Administrators Association and senior industry figures have paid their respects to market veteran Greg Thompson who passed away in February.

Described by the TMPAA as “a true pioneer in the program space”, Thompson’s career stretched back over four decades.

Thompson was a graduate from Washington and Lee University who subsequently obtained an MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School.

Among his professional achievements was the establishment of program administrator Thompson Insurance Enterprises Inc, also known as THOMCO. He subsequently operated the firm for more than 30 years.

During that time, Thompson built Atlanta, Georgia-based THOMCO from a fledgling wholesaler to a major program administrator offering more than 15 national programs.

Markel acquired THOMCO in 2012, with Thompson remaining to oversee the business. Later in 2012, Thompson was promoted to president of Markel Specialty.

He remained with Markel until retiring from the company in 2018. During his retirement, Thompson served as an independent consultant and senior advisor for middle market-focused PE firm Century Equity Partners.

Alongside his roles at THOMCO and Markel, Thompson served TMPAA as an advisory board member for more than 20 years, including two years as president.

While serving the TMPAA, he played a major role in the creation of Target University, which in its 15-year history awarded over 200 Certified Program Leader designations.

Thompson spearheaded the TMPAA Charities Endowment Fund’s formation, an operation that helped bring new talent into the programs market.

And to support the development of market practitioners, Thompson played an instrumental role in establishing The Institutes’ Program Business Professional designation.

“His contributions to the TMPAA were unparalleled, helping shape the organisation into what it is today.

“His generosity in sharing time and expertise had a profound impact on countless individuals, with the success of many in our industry being a direct result of his guidance,” the TMPAA said.

“Greg’s legacy will continue to influence the program insurance industry for years to come. More than a leader, he was a visionary, a mentor, and a friend to many. He will be deeply missed but his impact will never be forgotten,” the trade body added.

“Greg’s DNA is part of nearly every successful initiative the TMPAA has launched over the past 20-plus years,” said TMPAA senior executive Ray Scotto.

“His dedication to helping others succeed as program specialists was boundless, even leading him to host a workshop on his own professional missteps to help others avoid them.

“No matter how accomplished he became in the industry, Greg remained eager to learn, always interested in how others conducted their business. The Association has lost its greatest ambassador, and those who knew him have lost a good friend,” Scotto added.

Euclid Insurance Services Inc CEO John Colis hailed Thompson as “a giant in the program business space”.

“A best practice operator before that became the norm, Greg built a wonderful business that thrived for many years.

“During this time and certainly after he transitioned his business, Greg served as a mentor to scores of people in our space.

“His work for Target Markets and our industry was legendary. And on a personal note, he was a counsellor to me and a wonderful friend. He leaves a hole that will be hard to fill,” said Colis.

Starfish Specialty Insurance CEO Jeremy Hitzig said he was “fortunate enough to have known Greg for more than 20 years”.

“He was a mentor, role model and advocate for me and countless others in our industry.

“Through his leadership and board commitment at Target Markets, his imprint is on every initiative designed to make us better, as an industry and as individuals and professionals. I cherish his generosity. He was so humble and kind, you would never know he was an industry giant. He will be greatly missed.”

Thompson is survived by his wife Mary, daughter Julia, brothers Scott, Mark, and Phil, and sisters-in-law Maureen Nolan and Ellen Nolan.