Underwriter expands into new market as senior hire announced

Dale Underwriting Partners has announced its entry into the international professional indemnity market.

The underwriter said the move formed part of its growth plans and would help it expand its client and broker propositions.

Ryan Barnes will head up the expansion, with him being appointed head of professional lines – this will take effect from January 2025.

He will report to Ian Bridge, active underwriter at Dale, in his new role.

Bridge said: “Barnes has an excellent reputation and great experience within the professional indemnity market and we look forward to welcoming him to Dale.

“Barnes’ arrival will help us develop new opportunities to diversify and grow into long tail international business.

“Our strategy is to build long-term sustainable value across our books and entering into the professional indemnity market is complementary to our healthcare and casualty portfolios.”

Experience

Barnes joins from Westfield Specialty, where he was most recently the international head of professional lines.

He started his career at Sampo Industrial Insurance NV in 2000 before joining Marketform Syndicate 2468 in 2002.

Barnes left in 2011 to join ArgoGlobal Syndicate 1200 as a class underwriter for professional indemnity.

Barnes said: “This is a great opportunity for me to join Dale at an exciting time of growth for the company.

“I look forward to leading the professional indemnity team and will use my experience in the market to help build on Dale’s already impressive portfolio.”