(1).jpg)
Rokstone Underwriting, an international specialty lines MGA and part of Direct Insurance Group, has announced plans to extend its footprint into North America.
Mike Pilla, founder and CEO of Technical Risk Underwriters, part of Ryan Specialty Group, will join Rokstone to head its US operations, Rokstone Underwriting North America.
“In our opinion, Mike is regarded as one of the best underwriters in his field today and has an impressive track record of building start-up MGAs into market-leading businesses,” said David Bearman, CEO of Direct Insurance Group. “Rokstone’s intention has always been to attract the industry’s very best talent and give them the platform and environment that they can truly thrive within. Mike joining Rokstone is a clear demonstration of that intent.”
“The addition of Mike to our already impressive lineup of underwriters will see Rokstone build a major North American platform,” said James Potter, chief underwriting officer of Rokstone. “Mike’s track record is second to none, and is part of our plan to achieve £500 million (about US$651 million) of annual gross written premium within the next five years.”
Rokstone Underwriting also recently hired Les Rock, one of the Lloyd’s market’s best-known property D&F underwriters and founder of Heritage Syndicate 1200 (now Argo Syndicate) and Ironshore Bermuda.
