Origin Specialty Underwriters Agency Announces Executive Leadership Changes

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Origin Specialty Underwriters Agency, LLC ("Origin Specialty"), a leading national Managing General Agent (MGA) and partner company of Beyond Risk, today announced key leadership changes designed to position the company for continued growth and success in serving the excess and surplus insurance market.

Leadership Succession

Charlie Acosta, previously serving as Executive Vice President and Head of Underwriting at Origin Specialty, has been appointed new President of Origin Specialty. With his extensive industry expertise and proven leadership within the company, Acosta is positioned to build upon the strong foundation established at Origin Specialty.

Acosta brings over two decades of insurance industry expertise to his new role. Before joining Origin Specialty in April 2023 as Head of Underwriting, he served in various leadership positions at StrongArm Tech and AIG. At AIG, he spent over 19 years in progressively senior roles, including Senior Vice President of AIG Risk Management Primary Casualty, where he managed underwriting teams across multiple program lines and drove significant new business growth. His extensive experience includes underwriting large account primary casualty lines and complex structures such as large deductibles, qualified self-insured programs, fronts, captives, and structured programs. He will continue to lead from the Origin Specialty head office in Rolling Meadows, IL.

New Executive Appointment

In conjunction with this change, Origin Specialty is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Schardt as Head of Casualty. Schardt brings over 20 years of insurance industry expertise to the role, with extensive experience in both retail and wholesale excess casualty markets. Prior to joining Origin Specialty, Schardt served as Vice President of Underwriting at CNA Insurance and held various leadership positions at AIG for nearly 16 years, including Zonal Casualty Manager, where he led a Middle Market Primary Casualty underwriting team. His deep expertise in casualty underwriting across energy, construction, and national accounts, combined with his proven track record of building and managing successful underwriting teams, further strengthens the company's underwriting leadership team.

"Since 2018, Origin Specialty has established itself as a trusted market leader, expanded its product offerings, and built strong relationships with our wholesale partners." Blake Wakefield, CEO of Beyond Risk.

Wakefield continued, "As we look to the future, we are excited to have Charlie Acosta step into the role of President. Charlie's proven track record in the insurance industry, deep understanding of complex risk structures, and strategic vision make him the perfect leader to build upon our strong foundation. His extensive leadership experience and ability to deliver results will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our offerings and strengthen our position in the excess and surplus market."

Strengthened Leadership Team

The appointment of Charlie Acosta as President, alongside Daniel Rossen, Head of Property, and Matthew Schardt, Head of Casualty, creates a formidable executive team positioned to lead Origin Specialty into its next phase of growth.

"I am honored to take on this role and build upon the strong foundation at Origin," said Charlie Acosta, newly appointed President of Origin Specialty. "With our exceptional team, including the addition of Matthew Schardt and the continued leadership of Dan Rossen, we are better positioned than ever to serve our brokers with innovative solutions, underwriting expertise, and superior service."

Clients and brokers partners can look forward to a seamless transition and an enhanced suite of programs designed to meet their evolving needs and preferences.

For more information about Origin Specialty and Beyond Risk, please visit https://origin-specialty.com/ and https://www.beyondrisk.com/.

About Origin Specialty

Origin Specialty, a partner company of Beyond Risk, is a leading MGA offering customized risk solutions across key industries. Partnering exclusively with A- rated carriers and reinsurers, Origin Specialty is committed to delivering financially sound, long-term insurance solutions. With deep expertise in underwriting, Origin Specialty provides comprehensive coverage for restaurants, hospitality, construction, workers' compensation, property, and captives, delivering innovative insurance product solutions that help protect against risks with a deep understanding of client needs.

About Beyond Risk

Beyond Risk was established to become the largest and most comprehensive independent risk management solutions provider, helping middle-market and SMB clients manage their risks effectively. Transparency, trust, and integrity underpin its operations and are the hallmarks behind its success, along with an unwavering commitment to making a difference in clients' approach to risk management.