Pen Underwriting promotes for specialty division managing director

MGA Pen Underwriting has promoted chief financial officer Sarah Breslin to the role of managing director of its speciality division, subject to regulatory approval.

Breslin joined Pen Underwriting in October 2020, after spending over ten years at parent company Gallagher, where she most recently served as finance director of corporate services.

She brings over 23 years of financial services industry experience to the team, having started her career in audit and assurance at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2000.

In her new role, which will come into effect from July 2023, Breslin will be responsible for strategic and operational leadership of Pen Underwriting’s business arm.

She will succeed Steve Thornett, who has decided to leave the MGA since joining the business as national development director in 2014.

Pen Underwriting’s chief executive Tom Downey said that he would like to “thank” Thornett for his “valued contributions over the years” and wished him well for the future.

Downey added that Breslin’s appointment was a “testament to the hugely positive impact” she has had on the business since joining.

Pen progression

Downey continued: “[Breslin] brings to the role strong leadership capability, proven business acumen and extensive knowledge of both Pen and the insurance industry.

“I know [Breslin] will be a fantastic leader to a great team of some of our most experienced sector specialists.

“Her appointment is another example of Pen’s ability to find the talent we need from within our own business and how we support our colleagues in applying their skills and experience in new areas to realise their ambitions.”

Breslin, meanwhile, added: “Taking on a new role and fresh challenge is always exciting, but being able do so while staying with Pen makes it more so.

“In specialty, I am fortunate to be taking on an already successful and well-diversified business, with a strong management team of experienced individuals that span the disciplines of construction, the hazardous goods and environmental industries and the more complex end of risk-managed commercial business.

“I’m already looking forward to learning from the team, supporting them and working together to ensure we continue to deliver the most effective risk solutions that our brokers and their clients need.”

Arthur J Gallagher launched Pen Underwriting as the single brand for its ten UK MGA’s in August 2014.