Nelson Brown Names Beth Friel Vice President, People Officer
Addition of Insurance Executive Further Demonstrates Firm’s Focus on Insurance Industry
NEW YORK (September 2, 2014) – Nelson Brown & Co. (Nelson Brown), a leading international law firm focused on the business of insurance, 
announced today that Beth Friel has joined the firm as Vice President, People Officer. In this position, Friel will lead the firm’s human resources, talent acquisition and development, compensation and employee benefits, and employee communications functions. Friel will report to Kevin Toth, Nelson Brown’s Executive Vice President, Chief Operations & Strategic Officer, and will serve as a member of the firm’s executive team. She will work out of Nelson Brown’s suburban Philadelphia and New York City offices.
A seasoned human resources and talent leader, Friel previously served as Director, Employee Relations for Cigna, where she implemented the strategic vision for approximately 35,000 employees worldwide.
Prior to that, Friel served as the Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Harleysville Insurance, where she and Toth worked closely together to build a first-class, performance-oriented culture.
Friel is a graduate of Franklin & Marshall College and Temple University School of Law. She began her career as an employment lawyer at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads and as a law clerk to the Honorable Bruce W. Kauffman of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
“Beth is an exceptional people leader,” said Toth. “She has a distinguished track record of building talent and culture. She recognizes that people aren’t resources – they’re the competitive differentiator and lifeblood of an enterprise.”
“We are fortunate to add another insurance industry executive – one who understands both what clients demand from their law firms as well as what it takes to continue to draw top talent” said Mike Nelson, Chairman of Nelson Brown. “As we advance on our journey of becoming the top global law firm to the insurance industry, Beth will work closely with Kevin to ensure that our talent and culture continue to meet the evolving needs of insurers around the world.”
“I’m excited to join Nelson Brown as it moves into the next phase of its strategic plan,” said Friel. “World class organizations are successful by attracting and retaining exceptional talent and building Focused on the Business of Insurance ™ dynamic cultures –this firm has made a unique commitment to continuing to differentiate itself through the quality and depth of its people.”
About Nelson Brown & Co.
Nelson Brown & Co. is an international law firm solely Focused on the Business of Insurance. Its mission is to help insurers around the globe to overcome their toughest challenges and capitalize on their most significant business opportunities.
With offices in the United States and London, Nelson Brown & Co. provides comprehensive legal services and business counsel to the insurance industry in the areas of regulatory, class action, reinsurance, business practices, complex litigation, coverage, complex casualty exposures, financial exposures, bad faith and insurance fraud.
Contact: Jennifer Sludden
(215) 358-5158
[email protected]
