Ryan Specialty names Chris Newby as new general counsel

He will lead legal functions for international operations

Ryan Specialty names Chris Newby as new general counsel

Insurance News

By Kenneth Araullo

Ryan Specialty has announced the appointment of Chris Newby as general counsel of Ryan Specialty International.

Newby, an experienced legal and insurance industry professional, will succeed Carin Verhagen, who is set to retire at the end of February. Based in Ryan Specialty’s international headquarters in London, Newby officially joined the firm this week.

Verhagen has served as general counsel of Ryan Specialty International for the past 12 years. Her career spans more than three decades, including senior legal roles at Aon Corporation and Ryan Specialty. Throughout her tenure, Verhagen has been a proponent of advancing women in the workplace while playing a significant role in the firm's growth.

Newby brings over 25 years of legal and operational experience in the insurance sector, primarily at AIG, where he served as general counsel for the UK and EMEA and as chief operating officer of AIG Europe Ltd.

His career has focused on fostering diversity and inclusion within organisational cultures, as well as supporting professional development and career opportunities for colleagues.

Mark Katz, general counsel of Ryan Specialty, praised Newby’s qualifications and leadership skills.

“Chris brings a wealth of international legal experience to Ryan Specialty. We welcome not only his acute legal acumen and talented executive leadership skills, but also his deep knowledge of the UK and EMEA landscapes as we look to expand Ryan Specialty International deeper into these geographies,” Katz said.

Katz also acknowledged Verhagen’s contributions to the firm, saying, “We would also like to express our enormous appreciation to Carin for her extraordinary commitment and contributions to Ryan Specialty.”

As general counsel, Newby will lead legal and compliance functions for the firm's international operations, aligning with its long-term business goals.

What are your thoughts on this story? Please feel free to share your comments below.

Related Stories

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!