SKYWARD SPECIALTY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Second Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Robinson became the Company's second Chief Executive Officer in May 2020 and is a highly experienced and successful global insurance executive with a 30+ year track record of growth, financial improvement, strategic and operational leadership. His experience includes ten years with The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., where he was President of Specialty Insurance, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Chief Risk Officer and subsequently at Crawford & Co. where he was Global Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice-President.
While at Hanover, his responsibilities included all aspects of the company's U.S. specialty businesses, including profit and loss and strategic and operational oversight. He was also responsible for acquisitions, divestitures, business integration, and enterprise risk management for the broader enterprise. Prior to his time at Hanover, he was the managing partner of Global Insurance at Diamond (now PWC) Consulting, and most recently as Executive in Residence and Senior Advisor at Oak HC/FT.
"Since I joined, it feels like we are a $1BN revenue ‘start-up.' There is terrific energy amongst the team to build a different kind of specialty insurance company - it is the most fun I have had in my career."
Job Titles:
- CEO of Skyward Specialty 's Accident
- CEO, Accident and Health Division
Byron Way is the CEO of Skyward Specialty's Accident and Health Division. Byron started with Skyward Specialty's agency organization and Great Midwest Insurance Company in 2008, moving to insurance companies operations after the acquisition of Imperium and Houston Specialty Insurance Companies in 2010. After working in the P&C divisions for several years and serving as the Company's COO, Byron took the helm of the A&H business in 2017.
When not working, Byron spends as much time as he can with his wife, two daughters and son (and his King Charles Cavalier Spaniel) and loves getting to the cool air of the mountains and hiking. Byron is based in Kennesaw, Atlanta.
"Our success is our people. I am truly inspired by the passion, commitment, and resilience of the team as we take the next step in the development of our company…redefining industry excellence, every interaction, every day."
Mr. MacDonald has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Westaim since April 2009 and director since December 2008. He is the former Chairman of the Goodwood Advisory Committee (2012-2014) and former President and CEO of Goodwood Inc. (2000-2012).
Prior to Goodwood Inc., from 1990 through 1999, he was a Director, member of the Research and Executive Committee, and shareholder of Connor Clark Private Trust. From 1983 through 1990 he held various positions at CIBC Wood Gundy in Credit, Operations, and thereafter as an Account Executive (Vice President). Mr. MacDonald holds a Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a CFA Charter holder.
Job Titles:
- Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Ceded Reinsurance
As Chief Risk Officer and Vice President of Ceded Reinsurance, Chase Clark is responsible for making sure the Company is properly mitigating its own risks. Chase came to Skyward Specialty from HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. in 2009 as an aviation underwriter. As the needs of Skyward Specialty evolved, so did Chase's duties. He has served as the business leader/liaison for several of our MGU programs, including the successful Dealer Open Lot Program, as well as being an underwriter for the Transactional Property book.
In 2016, Chase's responsibilities expanded as he became responsible for managing Skyward Specialty's ceded reinsurance division. In 2020, Chase's role expanded yet again to include responsibility for Skyward Specialty's Enterprise Risk Management efforts.
When he is not working, Chase enjoys running, watching college football (Texas Longhorns) and spending time with his wife, Bridget, and three teenage daughters. Chase is based in Houston, Texas.
"Since joining in 2009, I have truly embraced the opportunities to learn many different areas of this company and the insurance market in general. I look forward to being a part of and contributing to the growth and success of Skyward Specialty going forward."
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of the Skyward Specialty 's Large Property Division
- SVP, Global Property Division
Doug is Senior Vice President of the Skyward Specialty's Large Property Division. Doug joined Skyward Specialty in 2013 and has 19+ years in the industry. Before coming to Skyward Specialty, Doug worked in the New York, Bermuda and Lloyds of London market. This breadth of experience makes Doug uniquely situated for managing the complex Large Property business.
Outside of work, Doug enjoys spending time with his two young children and getting in a as many rounds of golf as possible. Doug is based in Houston, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Commercial Trucking
Ed Scheel joined Skyward Specialty in August 2018. As the Vice President of Skyward Specialty's commercial trucking industry solutions, he brings more than 27 years of extensive underwriting experience in a broad range of segments.
When not at work, Ed enjoys time with his family, traveling, is an avid hockey fan, and a self-proclaimed "movie fanatic." Ed is based in Atlanta, GA.
"Skyward Specialty has an extrodinary vision and we drive to think outside what is expected to fundamentally change the way we deliver solutions to our clients and customers. My team and I are focused on developing partnerships built on trust and our clients know they can count on us, every time. "
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Founder and CEO of Hays Companies
Mr. Hays is the Founder and CEO of Hays Companies, established in 1994. Previously he was the Chairman and CEO of RHH of Minnesota from 1987 through 1994, where he started the business from scratch and obtained the Office of the Year. Mr. Hays has his MBA in Finance from the University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management.
Job Titles:
- SVP, Professional Liability
Jim Mormile joined Skyward Specialty in August 2021 as the Senior Vice President of Skyward Specialty's Professional Liability business. He brings more than 19 years of Professional Liability experience. Jim's leads underwriting teams with vast and broad knowledge and experience who are focused on innovating solutions to meet our clients' needs. When not working, Jim enjoys golfing and coaching his children's sports teams.
"I am excited to be part of a team at Skyward Specialty that is looking to forward to a bright future of building products that meet the needs of our clients."
Job Titles:
- President, Specialty Lines
John Burkhart joined Skyward Specialty in January 2021 as President, Specialty Lines. Prior to joining the Company, John held progressively broader roles at QBE North America and Chubb. John has almost 30 years of experience in specialty lines insurance, including management and professional liability, healthcare, financial institutions and transactional liability.
Given his vast experiences, John will provide valuable expertise to grow and develop our Specialty Lines Division. In his spare time, John is an avid traveler and motorcycle enthusiast.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- SVP, Surety Division
Matthew Semeraro joined Skyward Specialty as the Senior Vice President of the Surety Division as a result of the acquisition of Boston Indemnity Company in October 2018. Matt has worked in the surety industry for 25 years, including time at HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. and American Safety Insurance in addition to starting up and running Boston Indemnity for over 6 years.
Matt's extensive experience has already helped to expand Skyward Specialty's surety business through the acquisition of new underwriting teams, a trend we expect to continue. Away from work, Matt is an avid New England sports fan, loves to exercise and most of all enjoys spending downtime with his wife Angela and their three children. Matt resides in Florida.
"My time with Skyward Specialty becomes more rewarding each day. I am proud to be part of an organization that embraces inclusion, empowers its employees to be the best they can be and has enabled me to contribute to building a really special company. I am most excited about the future opportunities our entire organization has yet to seize!"
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of D & O Lines
As Senior Vice President of D&O Lines, Michael is responsible assessing the risk placement needs for private, public and financial institutions. Michael came to Skyward Specialty in 2018, bringing almost 20 years of experience. Before working at Skyward Specialty, he worked at Liberty Internationals as Vice President of Management Liability and at Chubb and Travelers Insurance.
Michael's expertise leaves him well-positioned to lead and expand Skyward Specialty's management liability business. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with family, as well as his three dogs. He is also an avid sports fan and can be found cheering on his favorite team, The Houston Astros.
Job Titles:
- SVP, Construction and Energy
Rick Childs joined Skyward Specialty in November 2020 as the Senior Vice President of Skyward Specialty's Construction and Energy business. He brings 25 years of commercial insurance industry experience, including the past 15 years focused on construction. Rick's Construction and Energy teams are recognized as strong underwriters that are very solution-oriented. When not working, Rick enjoys deep sea fishing and going for long rides on his Harley Davidson Road Glide.
"Skyward Specialty is truly an exceptional up and coming company. The atmosphere is very supportive where employees are encouraged to find creative solutions for their partners and customers on a daily basis. I have no doubt Skyward Specialty will soon be the go-to market for all our agents and brokers."
Mr. Kittel has been Chief Operating Officer of Westaim since January 2013. Previously, he was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Goodwood Inc., an investment management firm that he joined in 2002 and since April 2009, has played a central role in the development and growth of Westaim. From 2000-2002, he was Vice President and analyst of a Canadian-based hedge fund investment firm. From 1997-2000, Mr. Kittel was employed by the Cadillac Fairview Corporation, a commercial real estate development company in the investments area. From 1994-1997, Mr. Kittel was a staff accountant at KPMG LLP.
Mr. Kittel also served on several boards including Cenveo, Inc. (2005-2007), Pet Valu, Inc. (2008-2009), Jevco Insurance Company (2010-2012), Webtech Wireless Inc. (2011-2015), and Constellation Software, Inc. (2013-Present). Mr. Kittel holds a BBA Honours (Gold Medalist) from Wilfrid Laurier University, is a Chartered Professional Accountant, and a CFA Charter holder.
Mr. Creager is a senior financial professional with over 40 years of public accounting, director, and industry experience. Mr. Creager has been a member of the Skyward Specialty board since 2012. He earned his Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Maryland and currently serves as the Director and Audit Committee Chairman for USA Truck, Inc.
He currently serves on boards of directors of public, private, and not-for-profit companies. He has served companies in energy, industrial and consumer products and services, transportation and logistics, and financial services.
Job Titles:
- EVP, Chief Actuary and Analytics Officer
- Senior Vice President, Head of Data Analytics and Underwriting Strategy
Sandip Kapadia joined Skyward Specialty in April 2020 as Senior Vice President, Head of Data Analytics and Underwriting Strategy to lead our company-wide data analytics strategy. He brings with him 20 years of industry experience across multiple actuarial, reinsurance, and modeling roles. Prior to joining the company, Sandip worked at Crum & Forster, Partner Re, Everest Re, and Aon Re. Sandip is a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a Designated Mentor to the Columbia University Actuarial Science graduate program.
In his free time, Sandip enjoys playing tennis, baseball, biking, and traveling with his wife and two children.
"Effective communication and meaningful numbers are at the heart of organizational success! I believe we have both of these assets to build a strong foundation. I'm thrilled about our future and there is no doubt in my mind we are on our way to becoming a dynamic insurance company with robust capabilities in technology and analytics."
Job Titles:
- EVP and Chief Claims Officer
As the Chief Claims Officer, Sean is responsible for managing all of Skyward Specialty's claims operations. Sean joined Skyward Specialty in 2019. He is an attorney by training and has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining Skyward Specialty, Sean spent eight years as the Chief Claims Officer for OneBeacon Insurance. He also previously held senior claims roles at Great American Insurance and Travelers.
Sean is well-positioned to ensure that Skyward Specialty's claims operations efficiently and effectively support Skyward Specialty's current and future business opportunities. When not at work, Sean enjoys biking, camping and playing guitar. Sean is based in Houston, Texas.
Job Titles:
- Chief People and Administrative Officer