Pen Underwriting (Pen), a multi-class, multi-territory managing general agent (MGA) operating as a virtual insurer, has appointed Sarah Breslin as its specialty division’s new managing director (MD), subject to regulatory approval.
Breslin (pictured) is currently Pen’s chief financial officer (CFO), a role she has held since 2020. A chartered accountant with a strategic financial and commercial background, she brings 20 years of experience to the role having begun her career in the investment banking and asset management sectors and then entering the insurance industry in 2012, joining Gallagher’s central finance team.
In July 2023, Breslin will take on the strategic and operational leadership of Pen’s specialty division, replacing Steve Thornett, who has left the business.
“Taking on a new role and a fresh challenge is always exciting, but being able to do so while staying with Pen makes it more so. In specialty, I am fortunate to be taking on an already successful and well-diversified business, with a strong management team of experienced individuals that span the disciplines of construction, the hazardous goods and environmental industries, and the more complex end of risk-managed commercial business,” Breslin said. “I’m already looking forward to learning from the team, supporting them, and working together to ensure we continue to deliver the most effective risk solutions that our brokers and their clients need.”
Pen CEO Tom Downey said the latest appointment was a testament to Breslin’s positive impact on the business.
“She brings to the role strong leadership capability, proven business acumen, and extensive knowledge of both Pen and the insurance industry gained during her time as our CFO and a decade working within the wider Gallagher group,” Downey said. “I know Sarah will be a fantastic leader to a great team of some of our most experienced sector specialists. Her appointment is another example of Pen’s ability to find the talent we need within our own business and how we support our colleagues in applying their skills and experience in new areas to realise their ambitions.”
He added: “On behalf of Pen, I’d like to thank Steve for his valued contributions over the years and wish him well for the future.”
The announcement of Breslin’s new role follows the appointments of a new MD and business development managers (BDMs).
In February 2023, Pen appointed Helen Barnes and Liz Abrahams as new BDMs for the south and north Midlands, respectively. During the same month, Pen appointed company veteran Seb Simmonds as the new MD of its public sector division.
