2 October 2024

Starwind Specialty Insurance Services has brought in Kirk Conrad as CUO, with the recruit making the move after this publication revealed in August he had left BMS amid links to the TIH Underwriting division.

As CUO, Starwind said Conrad will help shape its underwriting strategies, monitor and manage risks, and help to stay on top of emerging trends to position the team for continued success in the marketplace.

His background in data and analytics will play a critical role in further enhancing Starwind’s data and analytics, the company said.

This publication revealed in late August that Conrad was leaving BMS, in what was the latest in a series of departures from the intermediary. As reported at the time, Conrad was linked with a move to BMS Re client and programs specialist Starwind.

The new senior addition to Starwind’s ranks brings over two decades of industry experience across multiple sectors of the insurance industry.

He most recently served as global head of analytics at BMS, a role in which he was responsible for building and leading the firm’s actuarial, catastrophe modeling and rating, and regulatory advisory services resources.

The Dallas, Texas-based Conrad also served as a general securities and investment banking principal with BMS’s broker dealer unit.

Prior to joining BMS in 2016, Conrad spent six years at Advocate Reinsurance Partners, while his career also includes time at Affirmative Insurance, HBK Capital Management and Towers Perrin.

“Kirk’s expertise in data analytics and underwriting will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services,” said Bill Goldstein, Starwind’s CEO.

“His leadership will significantly enhance our ability to deliver exceptional underwriting results to our reinsurer and carrier partners while helping to develop innovative solutions for our trading partners,” Goldstein added.

Starwind said Conrad’s appointment “is a vital aspect” of its strategic expansion as the business remains committed to investing in people, tools, and technology.

Conrad’s hire is the latest senior appointment Starwind has made in recent weeks.

Last month, Program Manager revealed longtime Aspen executive Michael Padula has left his role as US head of environmental ahead of a move to Starwind.

And in August, Starwind announced the hires of Tony McIntosh as program president and Eric Morrison as executive vice president, with both joining from TruPoint Underwriters.

Starwind is one of several insurance businesses spun off by US regional bank Truist Financial in May of this year to a consortium of private equity firms led by Stone Point and CD&R in a $15.5bn deal.

In an interview with Program Manager in April 2024, TIH Underwriting CEO Bill Goldstein said that the platform is on course to comfortably pass $6bn of premium this year as it pursues organic and inorganic growth opportunities.

TIH Underwriting includes both Starwind and property cat-focused MGU Amrisc.

View this article here: https://www.program-manager.com/news/starwind-confirms-conrad-appointment-as-cuo/

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