Global specialty re/insurance company Ascot Group has bolstered its US Regional Executive Leadership team, expanded the North America Distribution role, and consolidated seven US business segments into five product verticals.
Together, these changes aim to align underwriting expertise and regional leadership more closely around the exposures, geographies, and client segments Ascot serves. The appointments and new operating structure are effective October 1, 2026.
Brian Chiolan, currently Executive Vice President (EVP), Head of Management and Professional Liability, has been appointed as US Regional Executive Officer. He will report to Matt Kramer, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ascot US. He will align regional distribution priorities with underwriting strategy across the reinsurer’s US business.
Oliver Ade, who is currently Senior Vice President (SVP), Central Region Partnership Engagement Leader, has been appointed EVP, Regional Executive for Central.
Current EVP, Head of Specialty Casualty, Jeff Canfield has been appointed EVP, Regional Executive for the West. Recruitment is underway for Regional Executives in the Northeast and Southeast.
The new team will coordinate local market execution and key insured relationships across the Northeast, Southeast, Central and West.
Additionally, Dane Lopes, the Head of US Partnership Engagement and Strategy, has been appointed Head of North America Distribution. In the expanded role, Dane will focus on connecting products, capabilities, and underwriting expertise with North American distribution partners, while helping deepen strategic relationships, and identifying opportunities.
He will report to Steve Goldman, Group Head of Distribution, Marketing and Communications. The US members of Ascot’s distribution team will serve as National Broker Relationship Managers with assigned trading partner relationships focused on strengthening engagement with national broker leaders and account executives, complementing the regional leadership structure.
Lastly, Ascot will organize its US business into five product verticals, this includes Marine & Specialty (including Ocean Marine, Inland Marine and Environmental); Casualty (E&S Casualty, Excess Casualty, Workers’ Compensation and Shared Risk Casualty); Surety; Financial Lines (AscotPRO and AscotEXEC); and Alternative Risk Solutions (Captives, Portfolio Solutions and Trade Credit).
Ted Mavraganis, currently Senior Vice President and Head of Environmental, has been appointed EVP, Head of Marine & Specialty.
Mark Benz, currently EVP, Head of Alternative Solutions, will lead Alternative Risk Solutions, while Tara North, EVP, Head of Surety, will continue to lead Surety.
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