Dale Underwriting Partners, the trading name for Dale Managing Agency Limited’s Lloyd’s Syndicate 1729, will foray into international professional indemnity insurance.
Joining in January 2025, Ryan Barnes was named professional lines head to drive the development of the new venture. Barnes is making the switch from Westfield Specialty, where he served as head of professional lines international. He will report to Ian Bridge, active underwriter at Dale.
Bridge spoke highly of the London-based appointment, stating, “Ryan has an excellent reputation and great experience within the professional indemnity market, and we look forward to welcoming him to Dale. Ryan’s arrival will help us develop new opportunities to diversify and grow into long-tail international business.”
The company sees the move as part of its broader strategy to enhance long-term value.
“Our strategy is to build long-term sustainable value across our books, and entering into the professional indemnity market is complementary to our healthcare and casualty portfolios,” Bridge added. “This endeavour allows us to further expand our client and broker proposition and optimise our sustainable growth plans.”
Barnes brings more than two decades of experience in the insurance industry. He began his career at Sampo Industrial Insurance NV in 2000 before moving to Marketform Syndicate 2468 in 2002. He then joined ArgoGlobal Syndicate 1200 in 2011, where he was class underwriter for professional indemnity. His other previous roles include head of casualty.
Commenting on his upcoming remit, Barnes said: “This is a great opportunity for me to join Dale at an exciting time of growth for the company. I look forward to leading the professional indemnity team and will use my experience in the market to help build on Dale’s already impressive portfolio.”
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