Abstract
Bowhead Specialty Underwriters was formed in 2020 when the marketplace was in need of a new, high-quality entrant with the ability to meet complex insurance needs with customized and creative solutions. Formed as a virtual organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, effective project management has become critical in building the business.
While a small part of the overall insurance marketplace, there’s no stopping the positive momentum in the excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurance market, which has surged to $37.60 billion during the first six months of 2022 – an increase of 27.6% compared with the prior-year period. Opportunities in E&S have come from the growth in traditional surplus lines exposures, from which standard insurers have backed away, and from adverse loss trends related to social inflation, nuclear jury verdicts, natural catastrophes, and cyber attacks which have forced incumbent insurers to take corrective action.
- Understand the excess and surplus (E&S) insurance industry, including key roles and activities during an insurance transaction
- Offer examples of various projects – from data organization and process mapping to launching a new product – to highlight struggles, best practices, and lessons
- Share the experience of building a company in a virtual environment
Speakers
Steven Feltner Head of Strategic Initiatives
Steven Feltner has over 12 years of insurance industry experience in financial planning and analysis, tactical reporting, and strategy. Steven partners with leaders across underwriting divisions and functional areas to drive holistic strategic planning efforts and enterprise optimization. Prior to joining Bowhead, Steve served as VP of Strategic Planning and Head of FP&A of a major insurance broker where he led financial modeling, forecasting, and was involved in numerous acquisitions and integrations.
Brandon Mezick Chief Operating Officer
Brandon Mezick has over 14 years of insurance industry experience across (re)insurance underwriting, operations, and strategy. Brandon oversees the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of Bowhead. Brandon provides leadership and oversight of Bowhead’s strategic plan, operational and organizational transformation initiatives, and shared services across all disciplines. Prior to joining Bowhead, Brandon served as Chief Operating Officer of a major insurer where he led strategic initiatives, centralized operations, business development, and financial planning and analysis. He also spent time in management consulting where he led projects focused on organization design, distribution strategy, and organizational change for insurers, brokers, and select government agencies.
Aleisha Starnes Supervisor of Operations Support
Aleisha Starnes has over 15 years of project management experience across multiple industries including hospitality, service, advertising, and insurance. Aleisha specializes in the management and execution of critical projects involving process improvement and organizational change. Prior to joining Bowhead, Aleisha served as Project Coordinator, Controller, and Accounting Manager of various hospitality and service business where she oversaw operations, accounting and payroll, scheduling, and reporting.
