The managing director of the former Wachovia Insurance Services office in Richmond, Va., has been selected to take over in the same role for the company’s successor, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, in Virginia.

John Middleton

John Middleton’s shift follows Wells Fargo & Co.’s acquisition late last year of Wachovia’s. banking and insurance operations for $15.1 billion in stocks.

In his new role, Middleton will direct Wells Fargo’s offices in Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke. He will be responsible for operations, carrier relationships, sales, and placement of all commercial and private risk practices, according to company officials.

“We’re delighted to have John leading the Wells Fargo Insurance Services team,” said John Meehan, regional managing director for Wells Fargo Insurance Services’ Mid-Atlantic Region, in a statement. “He brings extensive brokerage experience and is a proven leader who will help us better serve our customers and foster the continued growth of our business.”

Middleton has more than 30 years of insurance brokerage experience. With Wachovia’s insurance operations in Virginia, Middleton was responsible for commercial and private risk practices, and sales.

With the acquisition last year, the combined Wells Fargo Insurance Services and Wachovia Insurance Services make up the fifth-largest insurance brokerage and the largest bank-owned insurance brokerage in the United States, with more than 200 offices in 37 states and 9,600 insurance professionals.