Ascot poaches Argo talent to lead entry into US surety market

Bermuda-based specialist re/insurer  Ascot has tapped a long-time executive from rival player Argo to lead its entry into the US surety market.

Tara Quigley (pictured) joins the company as executive vice president, head of surety. She will be responsible for developing and managing  Ascot’s entire surety portfolio across the US.

In this role, Quigley will act as the product lead, writing on behalf of  Ascot’s Treasury Listed carrier – Ascot Surety & Casualty Company. Based in New Jersey, she will report to Matt Kramer, CEO of US insurance.

Ascot Surety & Casualty Company, domiciled in Colorado and licensed in 47 states and the District of Columbia, has recently secured a financial strength rating of ‘A’ from AM Best.

Quigley joins  Ascot from Argo, having been at the company since 2008 when she joined to help launch their surety practice. During her tenure at Argo, he held a number of senior underwriting and management positions across surety and professional liability product lines. She started her career in the surety broker market, before spending nine years at Travelers, rising to become managing director and head of surety for the NYC Metro region.

Kramer said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tara to  Ascot as we enter the Surety market. Our acquisition of a TreasuryListed carrier in 2021 allowed us to make a strategic entry into a highly specialized field that fits perfectly with our underwriting principles and deepens our product portfolio. Tara’s experience, expertise, broker relationships and proven leadership skills make her the ideal choice to ensure success for  Ascot Surety.

Quigley commented: “It’s a pleasure to join  Ascot at such an exciting time in the company’s development. Based on my prior experience building a Surety practice, I know the challenges and opportunities that are ahead within this niche marketplace.  Ascot’s entrepreneurial spirit and technology focus makes it an excellent proposition for offering the Surety market new solutions to help clients and insureds.”

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