Orchid elevates exec who ‘dramatically reshaped’ business amid tough market

US-based managing general underwriter  Orchid Insurance is positioning the company for further growth in one of its core businesses, having navigated what its new chief underwriting officer described as the “toughest property markets in history”.

Ross Bowie (pictured) has been named new CUO of Orchid Underwriters Agency. The appointment consolidates underwriting responsibilities across Orchid’s personal lines segments, as well as formalises a role that Bowie has been filling for the last year.

The company's chief executive officer (CEO) Steve Carlsen praised Bowie's technical skills and judgement that “dramatically reshaped” Orchid’s business.

“We have been able to improve the metrics and performance of our portfolios while refocusing our underwriting teams and recruiting extraordinary talent,” Carlsen said. “ Orchid has added new programs and new capacity this year, in an environment where markets are otherwise shedding risk. This is a tribute to the confidence our carriers have in Ross and his team.”

Kathy Cody, president and COO of Orchid Insurance, added, “We have been building the tools and infrastructure to succeed in all markets. It has been enormously rewarding to have Ross and his team put these capabilities to work so productively over the last year. Orchid can deliver underwriting and support at the highest levels as required by our carriers and demanded by our producers and insureds. The energy, passion and momentum in our teams is thrilling and contagious.”

Bowie commented: “The support we’ve received from the board, senior leadership team and carriers has allowed us to accelerate our initiatives and exceed timelines for transforming our business. We have an amazing team at Orchid that has navigated one of the toughest property markets in history, allowing us to continue to provide new capacity and competitive products to our agency partners.”

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