Newport Specialty Partners, a specialty insurance platform that works with managing general agents (MGAs) and program administrators, has appointed Mary Sbaschnig as its new chief operating officer and chief information officer.
Sbaschnig will be responsible for leading the company’s operational and technology strategy to continue expanding its platform and supporting partner businesses.
Her responsibilities include overseeing technology initiatives, reporting and data capabilities, workflow optimization, compliance support, and helping MGA partners scale their operations while maintaining their specialty underwriting expertise.
Dennis DiCapua, CEO of Newport Specialty Partners, commented: “The insurance operations experience, technical expertise and practical MGA knowledge that Mary brings are exactly what we need in Newport.”
DiCapua continued, “She understands how underwriting operations actually work, how technology can improve decision-making and efficiency, and how to build the infrastructure needed to support regulated growth. Mary’s leadership will help strengthen the ability to support our partner companies while retaining Newport’s entrepreneurial culture and underwriting discipline.”
Spaschnig said Newport’s model of supporting specialty insurance businesses while allowing them to retain their individual strengths was a key factor in her decision to join the company. “I’m delighted to be joining Newport at such an important stage in its development,” she added.
“What’s particularly compelling about Newport is the way it partners with strong specialty insurance businesses and provides the operational support and strategic resources they need to help them grow while maintaining their differentiating qualities. I look forward to working with Dennis, the Newport team and our partner companies to continue building a platform that is thoughtful, disciplined and long-term oriented.”
Sbasschnig has more than thirty years of experience in insurance operations, underwriting systems and technology strategy. Prior to joining the company, she served as Vice President of Solutions Architecture at Vertafore, where she worked with MGAs and insurance distribution partners on implementation, operational consulting and technology solutions designed to improve underwriting efficiency and operational performance.
Newport added that Sbaschnig also held senior positions at I-Centric Solutions, Delos Insurance Group and Clarendon National Insurance Company, where his responsibilities included operational improvement, technology development and product strategy.