W. R. Berkley Corporation announced the appointment of Christopher H. Balch as president of Berkley Technology Underwriters, a Berkley company. He succeeds Matthew A. Mueller, who has been named chairman of the business. The appointments are effective immediately.

Mr. Balch joins Berkley Technology Underwriters with nearly 20 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry. He has extensive leadership experience, most recently in insurance distribution. His prior experience includes various technical and management roles at a leading national insurance company with a particular focus in the commercial insurance market.

Mr. Mueller joined Berkley as president of Berkley Technology Underwriters when it was formed in 2011. Under his leadership, the business has grown to become an important participant in the market for technology coverages. As chairman, he will support the Berkley Technology Underwriters team through the transition and remain a key member of the W. R. Berkley Corporation team.