Leadership Transition at MS Transverse: Dave Paulsson Appointed Strategic Advisor and John Fitzgerald Named CEO

Major Leadership Changes at MS Transverse

On May 19, 2026, MS Transverse, a leading hybrid fronting carrier and a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, revealed significant leadership changes. Co-founder Dave Paulsson will shift from his role as CEO to Chairman of the Board, while John Fitzgerald, currently the President, will step up as the new CEO effective July 15, 2026.

This transition marks a pivotal moment for the organization, reflecting its robust growth trajectory and influential position within the industry. Over the past eight years, MS Transverse has demonstrated unparalleled performance, particularly in pioneering the hybrid fronting model, connecting the rapidly growing Managing General Agents (MGA) market with global reinsurance capacities. In 2025, the firm surpassed $3 billion in written premiums, showcasing both its strong underwriting discipline and operational integrity.

Dave Paulsson, who earned the firm recognition as the three-time Fronting Carrier of the Year, expressed pride in the achievements of the firm and its exceptional team, stating, "We set out to be the preferred partner for the highest quality underwriting platforms and capacity providers. I am very proud to say that we have achieved this goal. Our position and performance are a testament to the incredible team at MS Transverse and the exceptional quality of the MGAs and reinsurers who partner with us."

In his new capacity as Strategic Advisor to MS&AD, Paulsson will play a critical role in supporting the group's global objectives while overseeing the strategic vision as Chairman. His extensive experience and insights are expected to be invaluable as MS Transverse continues to expand its operations and pursue its ambitious goals on a global scale.

Hiro Morimoto, MSAD's Chief Global Officer, emphasized the importance of retaining Paulsson's visionary perspective: "His ability to scale a business while maintaining best-in-class profitability is rare. We look forward to his continued guidance as Chairman and his counsel as we pursue our global strategic goals."

For John Fitzgerald, taking the helm as CEO presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Fitzgerald remarked, "I am excited to lead MS Transverse and build upon the extraordinary foundation Dave and our team have established over the last eight years. MS Transverse's success is rooted in a culture of technical excellence and the deep trust of our MGA and reinsurance partners."

As MS Transverse embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on how the firm evolves under new leadership while upholding its commitment to being the partner of choice for the program market in an ever-changing industry landscape. The organization’s forward-thinking approach positions it well for continued success, especially as Fitzgerald and Paulsson team up to drive innovation and strategic growth moving forward.

About MS Transverse

MS Transverse refers to MS Transverse Insurance Group, LLC and its underwriting and management subsidiaries (collectively, "MS Transverse"). The group is recognized for offering hybrid fronting carrier support to the program, managing general agent, excess and surplus lines wholesale, and reinsurance markets with offices based in New York, New Jersey, and Texas. In addition, MS Transverse's insurers include three entities that are domiciled in Texas: MS Transverse Specialty Insurance Company, MS Transverse Insurance Company, and TRM Specialty Insurance Company. Founded in 2018, MS Transverse connects and enables partners through access to risk capacity and alternative capital on admitted and surplus lines paper.