Dave Paulsson, co-founder of MS Transverse, a hybrid front-end carrier and a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, will transition from the role of chief executive officer (CEO) to chairman of the board of directors. He will be succeeded by current President John Fitzgerald, who will take over as CEO on July 15, 2026.
Paulson was named strategic adviser and had expanded responsibilities for the parent organization.
As chairman, Paulson will oversee the board’s long-term strategic vision. In his new role as strategic advisor to MS&AD, he will provide broad executive consulting to the group, using his insights to support the group’s global objectives.
The company explained that these leadership changes come after eight years of “extraordinary growth and industry-defining performance.”
Paulson commented: “We are committed to being the partner of choice for the highest quality underwriting platform and capacity provider. I am extremely proud to say we have achieved that goal.
“Our position and performance are testament to the exceptional quality of the incredible team at MS Transverse and the MGAs and reinsurers we work with. I am delighted to be able to support the group’s global vision as an advisor while continuing to support MS Transverse’s mission as Chairman.”
Hiro Morimoto, CEO of MS&AD, added: “With MS Transverse on a solid foundation and its integration within MS&AD having been a huge success, we are honored to retain Dave’s vision as a strategic resource for our entire group.
“His ability to grow our 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.”
Fitzgerald said: “I am excited to lead MS Transverse and build on the extraordinary foundation that Dave and our team have built over the past eight years. MS Transverse’s success is rooted in a culture of technical excellence and the deep trust of our MGA and reinsurance partners. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the wider MS&AD Insurance Group to ensure we remain the partner of choice across the plan market.”
