Cheif Underwriting Officer

Acrisure•New York, NY

About The Position

We are a fast-growing MGA platform primarily in the E&S specialty lines market, having acquired 10 MGAs over the past several years. We have also launched several new MGAs recently. Each MGA has historically pursued its own underwriting approach, with its own CUO, teams, and risk appetite. We are now creating a Head of Underwriting role for the first time, with the mandate to more closely align our underwriting function across the platform. The role will be a key part of the leadership team along with newly-created roles leading operations, claims, actuarial, and technology. Why This Role Matters Underwriting comes first at Acrisure Underwriting. In specialty casualty lines, where we are most active, loss costs are rising and underwriting judgment is tested daily. Disciplined, well-informed underwriting is critical not only to portfolio profitability, but also to attracting capacity, earning reinsurer trust, and building long-term credibility in the market. This role will bring leadership across the platform’s underwriting talent, ensure discipline in difficult markets, and represent the platform externally with brokers, reinsurers, and clients. The position could also be a key deputy to the head of the platform, making it an extraordinary opportunity for a commercially minded underwriting leader. The Opportunity As a newly created role, the leader will have the opportunity to shape the underwriting function across a diverse MGA portfolio. Lead and mentor agency CUOs and underwriting teams, strengthening discipline in casualty and specialty lines. Develop portfolio-level underwriting strategies that balance growth with profitability. Help drive our modern tech platform including our actuarial, underwriting, and policy intake tools. Work closely with our retailers and wholesalers to assess and execute growth opportunities Represent the platform’s underwriting capabilities to reinsurers, brokers, and capacity providers, leveraging market credibility and relationships. Attract and develop new underwriting talent, creating a home for ambitious underwriters to grow. Play a key role in both M&A and new MGA launches.

Requirements

20+ years of underwriting experience in specialty casualty lines, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
Proven track record of underwriting discipline and profitable portfolio management in challenging markets.
Established following among re/insurers.
Ability to attract, mentor, and develop underwriting talent in both existing areas and new markets.
Experience integrating claims and actuarial insights into underwriting strategies.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees (JD or MBA), designations (CPCU, ARM, or ARe), or actuarial credentials (ACAS/FCAS) are viewed favorably but not required for candidates with strong relevant experience.
Builder’s mindset: thrives on creating and scaling underwriting functions, not just maintaining them.
Highly respected in the market, with the reputation and network to enhance the platform’s standing.
Collaborative leader who bridges underwriting, claims, actuarial, and distribution functions.
Commercially minded and capable of stepping into broader business leadership.
Mentor and teacher, committed to developing the next generation of underwriting talent.

Responsibilities

Build & Lead the Underwriting Function Provide leadership and oversight to CUOs across all MGAs, ensuring consistency in underwriting discipline, appetite, and portfolio objectives.
Develop portfolio-level underwriting strategies, balancing growth and profitability.
Serve as a senior voice in executive decision-making, linking underwriting to claims, actuarial, data insights, and strategic priorities.
Underwriting Strategy for M&A and New MGAs Define underwriting priorities and opportunities, working closely with our distributors to identify profitable areas for market entry and data needed to support effective underwriting.
Define underwriting models, strategies, and talent needs when onboarding, acquiring, or launching new MGAs, and help bring these MGAs to market.
Evaluate and structure underwriting teams, systems, and reporting frameworks for new entities.
Market Relationships & External Representation Represent the platform’s underwriting capabilities to re/insurers and (with our brokers) manage the capacity renewal calendar and process.
Attract top underwriting talent through reputation, vision, and leadership.
Mentorship & Talent Development Foster collaboration between underwriting, claims, and actuarial teams to integrate data and insights into underwriting practices.
Mentor CUOs and junior underwriters, ensuring rigorous discipline and sound judgment across all levels.
Create development pathways for underwriters, supporting long-term succession and career growth.
Portfolio Strategy & Analytics Partner with actuaries and the Head of Claims to ensure claims analytics inform underwriting guidelines, pricing, and appetite.
Anticipate market shifts, litigation dynamics, and loss trends, adapting strategies accordingly.

Benefits

Physical Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; fertility benefits; wellness resources; and paid sick time.
Mental Wellness: Generous paid time off and holidays; Employee Assistance Program (EAP); and a complimentary Calm app subscription.
Financial Wellness: Immediate vesting in a 401(k) plan; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options; commuter benefits; and employee discount programs.
Family Care: Paid maternity leave and paid paternity leave (including for adoptive parents); legal plan options; and pet insurance coverage.

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