Specialty MGA, the managing general agent within MNK Group, has appointed David Higgins as Senior Underwriter for Bloodstock as the business moves to establish a new international portfolio focused on high-value bloodstock risks.
Higgins joins Specialty MGA with more than four decades of underwriting experience across the bloodstock and aviation sectors. His previous roles include leading the Bloodstock Unit at Novae Underwriting, followed by responsibility for managing the transfer of the portfolio to Castel.
At Castel, he oversaw the unit’s underwriting activities and the delivery of its business plan before later returning to the business as a Bloodstock Consultant. In that role, he supported the underwriting team and maintained relationships with clients and brokers in the UK and overseas.
Higgins has also served as a member of the Lloyd’s Aviation and Bloodstock Committees. In his new London-based role, Higgins will lead Specialty MGA’s efforts to build a bloodstock account covering significant-value risks across international markets. The MGA said its initial focus will be on providing additional capacity for high-value stallions, with the portfolio expected to broaden over time to include racehorses, broodmares, major stud farms and high-value sport horses.
Specialty MGA said the portfolio will target business globally, with a particular focus on Australasia, the US, the UK and Europe. Higgins will use his established broker network alongside his experience of assessing bloodstock operations in markets outside the UK.
Manoj Kumar, Chairman of MNK Group, commented: “David’s appointment marks an important step as Specialty MGA continues to enhance its product offering and market reach. His deep technical knowledge and experience of developing bloodstock portfolios will play an important role in broadening our specialist capabilities and delivering further value to our broker partners.”
Higgins added: “This is an exciting time of growth for Specialty MGA as it continues to develop new areas of expertise, providing an excellent platform to build the bloodstock account and work closely with brokers in the UK and internationally.
“The bloodstock market continues to present significant opportunities, particularly for high-value risks where demand for capacity remains strong. With plenty of scope for growth in the sector across the international market, I look forward to delivering specialist and tailored solutions for clients across the globe.”
