Ryan Specialty Names Birrell Exec Chair, Montgomery as CEO
Portfolio - People | Dec 03, 2024 | EIN
Ryan Specialty, a Chicago-based specialty insurance services firm, has announced the appointment of Mark Birrell as executive chairman and James Montgomery as the new CEO of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers International, effective January 1, 2025. Birrell brings extensive experience from his previous role as chairman and CEO at Castel Underwriting Agencies, complementing his entrepreneurial and insurtech expertise developed over a 45-year career in the insurance industry. James Montgomery, who joined Ryan Specialty in 2016, has been instrumental in leading the growth of the company's Transactional Risk platform. These changes affirm Ryan Specialty's commitment to expanding its executive team and international growth ambitions. Additionally, Ryan Specialty has acquired Innovisk Capital Partners and Castel Underwriting Agencies recently. In related news, Howden Re, the reinsurance arm of insurance broker Howden, has appointed Thomas Kroely as managing director for Continental Europe. Kroely is tasked with supporting Howden Re's European expansion, leaning on his extensive experience as reinsurance director at Aon, and over a decade at Willis Re. This strategic hire is expected to bolster Howden Re's objective to expand its presence in Europe.
Sectors
- Insurance
- Reinsurance
Geography
- United Kingdom – Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers International and Castel Underwriting Agencies have key operations and leadership based in London.
- Continental Europe – Howden Re's appointment of Thomas Kroely emphasizes a strategic focus on expanding reinsurance operations within Continental Europe.
- United States – Ryan Specialty is headquartered in Chicago and represents the U.S. connection in its global insurance operations.
Industry
- Insurance – The article is centered around executive appointments within insurance firms, highlighting strategic growth in the insurance and reinsurance sectors.
- Reinsurance – Howden Re's activities focus on reinsurance, a significant part of the article highlighting expansion strategies in the European market.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Specialty | Company | Target | A specialty insurance services firm based in Chicago, expanding its international operations. |
| Howden Re | Company | Target | Reinsurance and risk advisory arm of the insurance broker Howden, focusing on the European market. |
| Mark Birrell | Executive Chairman | People | Appointed as executive chairman for Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers International. |
| James Montgomery | Chief Executive Officer | People | Appointed as CEO for Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers International. |
| Thomas Kroely | Managing Director for Continental Europe | People | Appointed as managing director for European operations at Howden Re. |
| Innovisk Capital Partners | Company | Acquired Company | Acquired by Ryan Specialty to strengthen its service offerings. |
| Castel Underwriting Agencies | Company | Acquired Company | Acquired by Ryan Specialty, previously held by Arch Financial Holdings (UK) Ltd. |
| Aon | Previous Employer | Company | Thomas Kroely's previous employer before joining Howden Re. |