Merchants Bonding Company Welcomes Tom Dabovich

April 28, 2023

New VP Underwriting Operations at Merchants Bonding Company

Tom Dabovich moving from Zurich to Merchants

Merchants Bonding Company welcomes Tom Dabovich as vice president underwriting operations effective May 8, 2023. Dabovich comes to Merchants from Zurich North America where he held the role of senior vice president underwriting and credit management. His role is one newly created at Merchants, focused on guiding the company’s underwriting systems and processes across all divisions: commercial, contract, and specialty solutions.

Dabovich has extensive experience leading surety teams, as well as global development of advanced technology tools and automation. Merchants’ Chief Underwriting Officer David Hewett says Dabovich’s capabilities make him a natural fit for Merchants, “Given our company’s dedication to developing and implementing leading-edge technology solutions, we couldn’t be happier to have Tom on our team. We look forward to his unique perspectives and experience and the influence those will have on our underwriting processes.” said Hewett.

Another major focus for Dabovich will be leading underwriting training programs for the company, and fostering a culture of development and growth by expanding the resources and opportunities available for underwriters. “I am delighted to join the team at Merchants,” says Dabovich, “and am incredibly excited by the company's underwriting culture, rapid investments in technology and persistent focus on the agency experience. I am also excited about the opportunity to help develop additional tools and resources to keep Merchants on its growth trajectory together with our agent partners and customers.”

Dabovich is based in Chicago, Illinois, and his hire is a confirmation of Merchants’ continuing commitment to the region. Agents in the area can look forward to having Tom as a strong local resource, and agents throughout the country will benefit from his leadership at Merchants.  

Merchants Bonding is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2023, building on record growth in 2022 and continued expansion as a national leader in surety bonding. Merchants was honored last year with a national certification from Great Places to Work, and was honored in February 2023 as a “Best Place for Working Parents” by the Best Place for Working Parents Network.