Franklin Street, a full-service commercial real estate firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of two top employees. Tom Kersting will serve as Managing Director and lead Franklin Street’s broad platform to support the specific needs of commercial real estate investors and occupiers. Kersting most recently served as President of Insurance Services. He will be succeeded by Andrew Kiernan, who will oversee the operational and financial performance, as well as business development, for Franklin Street’s insurance division. Previously, Kiernan acted as Senior Director of Captive Services.
In his new role, Tom Kersting will work across Franklin Street’s entire company, and all lines of business, to identify and grow client opportunities and services. He will be based out of the firm’s Tampa office.
“I am very passionate about our company, our people and the collective mission we’re on as a firm. I am thrilled for the opportunity to play a company-wide role, where I will interact with the broad array of talent within Franklin Street,” said Kersting. “I have been fortunate to develop great relationships with our team members and clients, and have a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and the unique value Franklin Street’s people can provide them. I am looking forward to working closely with all our business lines to identify new growth opportunities for the company and our clients.”
“Tom has built an impressive skill set over his career – one that has uniquely positioned him to take on this complex role,” said Franklin Street CEO and Managing Partner Andrew Wright. “He knows the high level of service our clients demand, he understands all the services Franklin Street provides, and he has strong relationships across the entire company. He will be a tremendous resource in this position to both clients and agents.”
Since 2014, Mr. Kersting has overseen a portfolio of more than $10 billion in property values. Prior to Franklin Street, Mr. Kersting worked for Aon, a leading global provider of risk management, insurance, and reinsurance brokerage. A dedicated member of the community, he is actively involved in Metropolitan Ministries, and plays a large role with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as a mentor. He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialty in Agribusiness.
As President of Insurance Services, Mr. Kiernan will be responsible for managing and growing a portfolio that insures more than 30 million square feet of commercial property. He will continue to be based in Franklin Street’s Tampa office.
“I am extremely invigorated by the opportunity to offer direction to the youth, aptitude, and ambition on our talent roster,” said Kiernan. “We have many exciting avenues to pursue with an entrepreneurial spirit, and I look forward to leading our team on those pursuits. The property and casualty insurance industry is going to experience further market cycle development going forward. Franklin Street welcomes all the new technologies and innovations entering the industry, and we will combine those with our unique service platform as we make our own significant contributions to the marketplace.”
“Andrew Kiernan brings with him the drive, energy, leadership and industry expertise necessary to succeed in his new role as President of Insurance Services,” said Wright. “I have worked closely with him for many years and am confident he will be the beacon of culture that we expect from our leadership. Andrew will make key contributions to Franklin Street by leading our insurance team, mentoring and coaching new talent, and expanding our insurance services into new markets.”
Previously, Mr. Kiernan was responsible for establishing company-owned “captive” insurance companies for commercial real estate owners and managers. He most recently formed a proprietary commercial property insurance program with Lloyd’s of London. Mr. Kiernan is a Certified Risk Manager (CRM), a Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), an Accredited Advisor in Insurance (AAI), and an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) specializing in General Lines of Property and Casualty.
He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Risk Management and Insurance. Mr. Kiernan holds both General Lines and Surplus Lines licenses.
About Franklin Street: Celebrating more than 10 years in the business, Franklin Street is a family of full-service commercial real estate companies focused on delivering value-add solutions to meet the evolving needs of clients. Through a collaborative philosophy of leveraging the resources, expertise and experience of each of its divisions – Real Estate, Capital, Insurance, Management and Valuation – Franklin Street offers unmatched value and optimal solutions for clients nationwide. Learn more about Franklin Street at FranklinSt.com.
