Distinguished Programs, a national MGA and insurance program management company, is expanding its specialty footprint with the launch of an ocean freight program led by veteran executive Ralph Salce.
The new initiative will provide a full suite of ocean freight solutions covering global transportation risks, inventory throughput arrangements and complex logistics risks. The company expects to begin underwriting activities in the first half of 2026.
Designed from the ground up with a focus on underwriting rigor and market relationships, the ocean freight program reflects Distinguished’s continued investment in specialized, talent-driven products.
Oversight of the expansion comes from Distinguished’s executive leadership team – Bill Malloy, Jason Rotman and Steve Sitterly – who continue to guide growth through strategic recruitment of experienced underwriting professionals. The company operates under an “autonomous support” structure, allowing teams to work independently while benefiting from centralized resources supporting carrier partners and broker relationships.
“Expanding into the ocean freight space is a natural extension of our strategy of building specialized programs led by best-in-class talent,” commented Steve Sitterly, COO and COO of Distinguished. “Ralph and his team bring the experience and market credibility needed to make an immediate impact.”
As president of the Ocean Freight Program, Salce has more than thirty years of experience in ocean operations, portfolio underwriting and strategic planning. He previously led Tokio Marine America’s Marine Division, where his leadership emphasized measurable growth, operational efficiencies and the development of high-performing underwriting teams.
“The ocean freight market continues to evolve and there is a clear need for experienced underwriting leadership,” Salles added. “We are intentionally building a program that combines proven expertise, strong relationships and a rigorous underwriting approach. Distinguished provides the platform and support to do this the right way.”
Supporting the program is an ocean freight team with more than a century of combined ocean underwriting and operations experience, enabling the group to provide expert insights and responsive service as it enters the market.
Derek Gibbons is one of the first members of the Ocean Freight team and has over 20 years of underwriting experience. His background includes overseeing maritime and inland maritime portfolios across the North East, where he has developed strengths in portfolio assessment, operational delivery and complex project coordination.
The team is further strengthened by Ralph Santoro, who has a career spanning more than 50 years in marine insurance, ocean freight operations and risk management. Santoro has held senior positions at INA, AIU/AIMA (AIG), St. Paul, Allianz, Hanover and Tokio Marine and will continue to advise clients in a consultant capacity upon his retirement in 2021.
John Murillo brings nearly two decades of experience in marine underwriting with a focus on long-term broker relationships and service consistency. Based primarily in South Florida, Murillo is known for his collaborative approach, reliability and client-focused approach to underwriting.
The final member of the group is Jose Schloessman, an ocean cargo production underwriter with more than a decade of experience serving the West Coast. A graduate of the California Maritime Academy, Schlossman provides direct port and terminal operational insights to support practical and informed maritime risk assessments.
Once launched, the ocean freight program will become part of Distinguished’s broader specialty portfolio, which includes fine art and collectibles, environmental risk solutions, real estate, community associations, hotels, sureties, restaurants, executive collections and inland marine products.
