Peter A. Hutton joined the NIA Group based in Paramus, N.J., as executive vice president of national sales.

Peter A. Hutton

In his new role, Hutton will develop and oversee the successful implementation of NIA’s sales strategy, including growth of the firm’s property casualty and employee benefit sectors.

In other news:

*John Dowd was named regional managing director at Wells Fargo Wealth Management Group for the Northeast Region, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.

*Joanne Fagan was appointed by MetLife Auto & Home as a regional sales manager in New Jersey, overseeing the company’s growth plans for the central portion of the state.

* Joseph P. Hudson was named vice president of William Gallagher Associates for its office in Princeton, N.J.

* Naveen Anand was appointed as global chief operating officer of Bermuda-based Torus Insurance Holdings and will be based in its office in Jersey City, N.J.

* Members of Insurance Agents & Brokers of New Jersey (IIABNJ) will serve on national Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America committees: Cappy Stults of Hightstown, N.J.-based Allen & Stults on the Consumer Agents Portal Task Force and the Professional Liability Committee; Jacki Frank of Tri County Agency based in Brick, N.J., on the Council for best Practices; Sheri Acconzo, IIABNJ president and CEO, will chair the IIABNJ Co-branded Website Oversight Task Force.

*Brian Richard of Bridgewater, N.J.-based Allstate Insurance received the Chairman’s Inner Circle Conference award from Allstate for his success in customer satisfaction and retention, business growth, and assistance with the company’s agency force.

*Peter K. Thornton was recognized by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors for his dedication and leadership and also for maintaining the Certified Insurance Counselor designation for 10 years.

* Jean Scott Mandell joined Family Wealth Management Group in East Hanover, N.J., as a chartered financial analyst.

* Maria Vutskova was appointed as an account executive at Bordentown, N.J.-based New Day Underwriting Managers.