Pen Underwriting has taken another step in its Irish growth strategy by rebranding Wrightway Underwriting, the business it acquired in June 2024.
Effective immediately, Wrightway will operate as Pen Underwriting Ireland, marking the completion of its integration into the wider group. Wrightway has been part of Ireland's specialist underwriting landscape for more than 25 years.
Established as a niche provider focused on motor and liability risks, it built a strong regional presence from its base in Wexford. Its growth came through long-term relationships with around 200 broker partners and the development of underwriting expertise in transport, haulage, light commercial vehicles and non-standard household risks. Over the years, the business became known for offering practical solutions for higher-risk or complex accounts, helping brokers secure capacity in areas where traditional markets often applied tighter terms.
Pen said the rebrand will not alter the team supporting brokers and clients, noting that continuity of service remains central to the transition. Instead, the shift brings the Irish unit fully under Pen’s brand and operating model, broadening access to the group’s specialised underwriting resources.
Pen employs about 500 insurance professionals across the UK and Europe and manages roughly £1 billion in gross written premium across more than 25 product lines, giving Wrightway’s legacy business a significantly larger platform to develop its niche focus.
The rebrand follows news that Michael Doyle will join as CEO of Pen Underwriting Ireland, subject to regulatory approval, on March 1, 2026. At that point, Ireland will become a standalone trading division, reflecting Pen’s commitment to expand and scale its position in the market.
The company said it is preparing to widen the range of risk and insurance solutions available to Irish brokers, using the breadth of its specialty classes to address gaps in local distribution.
Pen Underwriting Ireland managing director David Crean said the change allows brokers to work with the same team while benefiting from the wider group’s technical capability and underwriting reach.
Pen Underwriting CEO Tom Downey added that integrating Wrightway creates a unified platform for growth and strengthens Pen’s ability to broaden its product offering and build a deeper presence across Ireland.
