Ascot poaches duo from WKFC to form new MGA Ethos

Ascot Group has formed a new standalone managing general agent (MGA) and hired two senior executives from WKFC Underwriting Managers, part of Ryan Specialty, including its CEO to run it.

Ascot said the formation of Ethos Specialty Insurance Services represents an important step in its long term strategy to invest and build a global property/casualty insurance and reinsurance platform.

The business will be run by Michael Sillat who spent 15 years at WKFC Underwriting Managers, where he initially started as chief financial officer. He then took on the role of chief operations officer in 2008, and became president and chief executive in 2011.

Justin Meizlik joins Ethos as chief operating officer. Prior to joining, Meizlik served as head of audit and programme implementation at WKFC Underwriting Managers.

Andrew Brooks, chief executive of Ascot, said: “Leadership, operations, and controls are key to building any successful business, especially where the strategy is a combination of organic growth and M&A, such as is the case for Ethos.

“Michael and Justin’s multi-year experience in building and executing operating platforms for myriad MGAs and programmes will be invaluable as we begin to execute our strategy. We look forward to having them both on the Ethos team.”

Sillat added: “I am very much looking forward to joining the team and building what will be the preeminent MGA in the specialty arena.”

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