United Risk's Remarkable Ascent in the Insurance Industry
In less than two years since its establishment, United Risk has remarkably positioned itself among the top five Managing General Agents (MGAs) in the world. At a recent stakeholders' meeting held at their headquarters in New York's iconic Rockefeller Plaza, Chairman Jamie Sahara showcased the company’s impressive achievements and unveiled a new leadership team poised to drive future growth.
United Risk's burgeoning success is underscored by a significant increase in their total underwritten premium volume. According to Sahara, the company now operates 25 property and casualty underwriting programs and boasts a dedicated staff of nearly 600 professionals across nine countries on four continents. This expansion into global insurance markets has enabled United Risk to build strong relationships with over 30 major insurers, further solidifying its reputation amongst brokers and clients alike.
A Vision for Growth
Mr. Sahara expressed optimism regarding the company's trajectory, indicating plans for two new dynamic programs to be announced by year-end. He emphasized the importance of a solid leadership team; hence, several key promotions were revealed during the meeting.
- - Hayden Smith: CEO - Smith has transitioned from his role at Enstar Group and brings a unique background as both a finance expert and a former professional athlete, having played Rugby in the English Premiership and American football in the NFL.
- - Andrew Lucas: General Counsel - With a solid history of advising insurance sector clients at Clyde & Co LLP, Lucas's legal expertise will be invaluable as the company navigates complex markets.
- - Gregg Holtmeier: Chief Commercial Officer - Formerly the Chief Strategy Officer at BMS, Holtmeier will lead initiatives related to capital providers, ensuring their strategic goals align with the company's growth.
- - Patrick Watson: Chief Operating Officer - With rich operational experience, Watson will help scale operations efficiently while maintaining agility.
Sahara stated, “With this newly completed leadership team, we have one of the strongest management teams in the industry, built upon our commitment to innovation and service excellence in the insurance market.” The diverse expertise of this team allows for organizational flexibility and a strategic approach to capturing market share across various sectors.
Future Endeavors
United Risk’s approach combines traditional insurance ethics with modern innovation, aiming to cultivate an environment where both underwriters and brokers can thrive. Sahara remarked on the dual role played by seasoned executive Rick Christofer, highlighting how the new appointments will allow him to focus on relationships crucial to the company's operations.
As the company gears up for its next steps, the focus continues to be on enhancing relationships with partners in the insurance sector, maximizing capabilities to capture more market opportunities. United Risk’s comprehensive understanding of the global insurance landscape equips it with the tools needed to respond rapidly to market movements.
United Risk is committed to growing as a multinational insurance platform synonymous with quality and service, learning from the best practices in the industry. Their trajectory promises to set benchmarks in operational excellence.
Conclusion
As United Risk moves forward into 2026, it seeks to innovate continually while fortifying its standing among the elite in the insurance arena. This commitment to both growth and strong management ensures that United Risk is not just another name in the insurance landscape but a leader poised for exceptional accomplishments in the years to come.
United Risk operates from its headquarters at 50 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, and continues to expand its influence and operational breadth globally.