OAK Reinsurance (OAK) has announced a series of leadership appointments as part of the continued buildout of its underwriting organizational structure.
Sarah Walcott has been named director of underwriting for property. She will oversee property catastrophe, property specialty, and property per risk lines and will report to James Irvine, CUO at OAK Re.
Conrad Williams (pictured above, right) has been appointed director of underwriting for specialty. His responsibilities will include marine, energy, political violence, and cyber lines. He also reports to Irvine.
Karen Barker will join in the fourth quarter of 2025 as director of underwriting for credit. She will lead underwriting for conventional credit (including single-name, whole turnover, and export credit agencies), political risk, and surety. Barker will report to Tom Dickson, president of innovation strategies.
OAK has also made appointments in cross-segment roles. Ciara Svensen will serve as head of ceded, managing strategy and execution across all classes of business. She will report to Alex Winfield, chief capital officer and head of strategy.
Tom Morgan has been named head of business development, responsible for assumed strategic relationships with distribution partners and global multiclass clients. He will report to Roland Morse, managing director, London.
“This development of our organizational structure will enhance our capabilities in these areas, while ensuring we are focused on servicing our clients and distribution partners, providing solutions in areas of evolving risk, and delivering profitable growth,” CEO and founder Cathal Carr said.
Since Jan. 1, OAK has written approximately US$400 million in gross written premium, aligned with its target expected profitability. The company has grown to a team of nearly 50 employees across underwriting, capital and risk, and finance and operations functions.
Irvine, who oversees both Walcott and Williams, joined OAK Re as chief underwriting officer for property in December. He previously served as group CUO for reinsurance at Lancashire and brings nearly two decades of industry experience.
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