W. R. Berkley Corporation was founded in 1967 by William R. Berkley, who served as Executive Chairman from 2015 until his death in 2026.

In November 1973, the company became a public company via an initial public offering. At that time, the founder owned 23.8% of the company.

In 1994, the company acquired Key Risk Management Services Inc.

In 1995, the company acquired the remaining 40% interest in Signet Star from Gen Re. The company also acquired MECC for $138 million.

In August 2006, the company acquired Garnet Captive Services LLC, a San Francisco insurance brokerage and alternative risk consulting firm.

On October 31, 2015, Mr. Berkley's son, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., became President and CEO.

BERKLEY W R CORP

W. R. Berkley Corporation was founded in 1967 by William R. Berkley, who served as Executive Chairman from 2015 until his death in 2026.

In November 1973, the company became a public company via an initial public offering. At that time, the founder owned 23.8% of the company.

In 1994, the company acquired Key Risk Management Services Inc.

In 1995, the company acquired the remaining 40% interest in Signet Star from Gen Re. The company also acquired MECC for $138 million.

In August 2006, the company acquired Garnet Captive Services LLC, a San Francisco insurance brokerage and alternative risk consulting firm.

On October 31, 2015, Mr. Berkley's son, W. Robert Berkley, Jr., became President and CEO.