Roach Howard Smith & Barton Launches New Specialty Practice Group for Technology, Life Science and Media Firms

New RHSB Group Created to Meet Specialized Clients` Unique Needs
DALLAS--(Business Wire)--
Roach Howard Smith & Barton (RHSB), a leading independent insurance brokerage
firm and Assurex Global partner, expanded its firm to include a new Technology,
Life Science & Media (TLM) specialty practice group.

Traditionally, technology, life science and media are industries known for
unique challenges and emerging risks. The TLM practice, led by Douglas R. Jones,
CPCU, ARM, will provide clients with insurance solutions and expertise
specifically tailored to respond to the industrial challenges, risks and
scenarios firms often face. RHSB`s TLM practice is well-positioned to respond to
such clients, having provided innovative, comprehensive risk management services
to companies in these industries for more than 20 years.

"Our Technology, Life Science and Media Practice allows us to offer clients a
unique combination of industry-specific expertise and a holistic approach to
risk management coverage and services," says Karen K. Farris, CPCU, ARM,
president and CEO at RHSB. "In this economic climate, there are tremendous risk
factors facing businesses and investors, especially those operating in the
technology, life science and media sectors. We`ve created a group filled with
risk management experts that focus on helping specialized clients meet their
unique needs. With Doug at the helm, we look forward to growing our TLM practice
into one of RHSB`s signature programs."

"With its enhanced services to the technology, life sciences and media
communities, RHSB understands the distinctive needs of companies operating in
these markets," said Kathy Swendsen, president of Global Technology for The
Travelers Companies, Inc. "Our experience in this market has made it clear that
knowledge of the industry and an outsourced risk management model help clients
better manage risk and control costs."

With more than 20 years of experience in risk management coverage and services,
Jones has proven leadership abilities in assisting clients through developmental
periods, including emerging growth, IPOs, global expansions and mergers and
acquisitions. He also has extensive knowledge of technology, telecommunications,
life sciences and media, including expertise with highly targeted insurance
products such as Cyber Liability, Directors & Officers and Errors & Omissions
Liability.

Prior to joining RHSB, Jones served as executive vice president at a
Dallas-based insurance agency, where he headed the Technology and Directors &
Officers Liability divisions. Jones currently serves on the board of the Texas
Council of TechAmerica (formerly AeA and ITAA). In addition, he is a member of
the board and executive committee of TechAssure and a member of the Professional
Liability Underwriters Society (PLUS).

"Running a technology, life science or media company involves managing a complex
set of risks," Jones said. "We`re excited to offer a service where extensive
resources and expertise, including those of Assurex Global, can be deployed to
deliver a unique value to our specialized clients and help them achieve their
objectives on a global basis. That`s value and peace-of-mind you won`t find from
any other insurance brokerage firm."

About Roach Howard Smith & Barton

Roach Howard Smith & Barton (RHSB) is a leading independent insurance brokerage
firm, providing business insurance solutions to companies of all sizes and
personal insurance to individuals and families since 1945. RHSB provides
property and casualty insurance product placement, risk management consulting
services, employee benefits product placement and consulting, financial planning
advisory services, and human resources outsourcing services. RHSB, with offices
in Dallas and Fort Worth, is an Assurex Global partner. Assurex Global is the
world`s largest privately held insurance brokerage group with combined premiums
exceeding $28 billion. In 2009, RHSB was named in Texas Monthly as one of the
Best Companies to Work for in Texas and three of its executives were listed as
top Power Brokers by Risk & Insurance® magazine.

For more information, visit http://www.rhsb.com.

Roach Howard Smith & Barton
Stephanie Leslie, 972-744-2745
Corporate Communications
sleslie@rhsb.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009