James Merz

Jim leads all actuarial operations at Westfield, overseeing reserves, pricing, ratemaking, and regulatory compliance while contributing to strategic financial policies and risk management as a member of the Finance Committee. As a key member of the senior management team, he provides critical insights to support the organization’s financial health and profitability.

With nearly 35 years of actuarial, financial, and leadership experience, Jim joined Westfield in 2015 as Chief Actuarial and Analytical Officer. Previously, he served as Vice President, Global Chief Actuarial Officer at Hanover, and held roles at Nationwide and Great American Insurance Company.

Jim is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) and a member of the American Academy of Actuaries, holding additional designations as a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Reinsurance (ARe). He has contributed extensively to CAS leadership, including serving on the Board of Directors and multiple committees. Beyond his professional achievements, Jim actively supports non-profits, including the Westfield Insurance Foundation and Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs.

He earned a Master of Science in Mathematics from John Carroll University and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Kent State University.