Genstar-backed new insurer Obsidian hires ex-Allianz, PartnerRe as CUO

Genstar-backed  Obsidian new fronting insurance holding company Obsidian has appointed Dan Larkin as its chief underwriting officer (CUO).

Larkin joins Obsidian with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He most recently served with Allianz as Northeast Zone Midcorp programme director. Prior to that, he was with PartnerRe for 18 years, most recently as senior vice president, head of programmes. Previously, Larkin served as senior property underwriter for AXA Reinsurance, and began his career at Metropolitan Reinsurance as a treaty accountant.

Obsidian was recently formed in partnership with insurance industry executives and Genstar Capital. The company's management team includes 20-year industry veteran Craig Rappaport, who serves as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, and Emily Canelo, Obsidian's chief legal counsel, who previously served as chief counsel & executive vice president for reinsurance and insurance of Endurance Services.

William Jewett, chief executive officer of Obsidian, said: "We are very excited that Dan has joined Obsidian, where he will be a strong addition to our growing team of executives and will support our growth. His underwriting experience and his strong relationships within the MGA and reinsurance communities are great assets to us as he leads our underwriting efforts and helps position the firm to achieve profitable growth."