TOLEDO, Ohio, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hylant Group, one of the largest privately owned insurance brokerage firms in the nation, has promoted two insurance industry professionals in its Environmental Practice Group.  Don Bryant, vice president, has been promoted to practice leader of Hylant's Environmental Practice Group.  Bruce Kranz, who led the expanding practice group for 11 years, was named senior vice president.  In this new role, Kranz will focus on business development and thought leadership. While they will operate out of Hylant Group's Cleveland office, both insurance veterans will support Hylant's 12 offices throughout five states.  

Bryant has more than 25 years of environmental experience, including the past seven years with Hylant Group. He specializes in assessing the risks associated with owning and operating commercial and industrial property. He is a graduate of Kent State University.

Kranz, a former coal miner, construction contractor and environmental engineer, has been a leading voice in the environmental world for more than 30 years. A frequent presenter at industry conferences and roundtables, Kranz will continue to share his experiences and best practices through partnerships with both the legal and insurance professionals.

"It's really the best of both worlds," said John Chaney, President of Hylant's Cleveland Office. "We are confident in Don's ability to lead our Environmental Practice Group and excited to give Bruce the opportunity to expand his presence as a thought leader in our industry and the environmental insurance space."

Founded in 1935, Hylant Group is a full-service insurance brokerage with 12 offices in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee, and employs more than 600 employees. As a member of the Worldwide Broker Network, Hylant offers complete risk management services, employee benefits consultation, loss control, healthcare management and insurance solutions for businesses and individuals.  Hylant is one of the largest privately held brokerage firms in the United States and serves a wide variety of clients locally, nationally, and internationally.  For more information, please visit www.hylant.com.  

SOURCE Hylant Group