Pen Underwriting has announced the appointment of Hannah Fry (pictured) as chief operating officer, effective January 6, 2025, pending regulatory approval. Fry will join the executive team of the specialist underwriting business.
Fry brings 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, most recently serving as operations director for the SME and personal lines division of Gallagher in the UK. She joined Gallagher in 2019 through the acquisition of Stackhouse Poland, where she held key roles, including director of risk, compliance, and central operations. Her career with Stackhouse spanned 18 years, starting as a corporate account handler.
In her new role, Fry will oversee Pen Underwriting’s operational capabilities, aiming to enhance flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. She will play a key role in supporting the company’s strategic business vision and growth targets.
Tom Downey, CEO of Pen Underwriting, highlighted Fry’s extensive experience and alignment with the company’s culture. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Hannah into Pen and on to our executive team in the new year,” Downey stated. “Having worked in the insurance industry at director level across risk, compliance and operations for many years, Hannah’s experience, knowledge and expertise are a great fit for Pen and will enable her to deliver positive customer, colleague and carrier outcomes across our operational priorities. Her energy and drive are the perfect pairing for Pen and our can-do culture.”
Fry expressed enthusiasm about joining Pen Underwriting during a period of significant expansion. “Having watched Pen invest, expand and diversify as it nears its goal of becoming a £1 billion GWP specialist underwriting business, it’s hard to think of a more exciting time to join the exec as focus turns to the next phase of strategic growth,” she said. “I’m looking forward to building on the operational foundations and enhancing capabilities to underpin future growth while embracing both the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Pen Underwriting’s divisions include international, UK financial lines and specialist liability, public sector, SME and personal lines, and specialty lines. The company currently generates over £940 million in gross written premium and employs 550 insurance professionals.
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