The Senior Vice President (SVP), Inland Marine – Specialty Lines is a key executive responsible for the strategic direction, underwriting performance, product innovation, and profitable growth of the organization's Inland Marine portfolio. This leader will oversee a diverse book of specialty risks and play a pivotal role in shaping market positioning, risk appetite, and distribution strategy.
- Define and execute the long-term strategy for Inland Marine within the Specialty Lines segment
- Establish underwriting appetite, portfolio mix, and growth targets aligned with enterprise objectives
- Serve as a key member of the Specialty Lines leadership team, influencing cross-functional initiatives and corporate strategy
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of underwriting leaders and specialists
- Own underwriting profitability, portfolio performance, and risk selection across Inland Marine products
- Set and enforce underwriting guidelines, authority levels, and referral practices
- Monitor key performance indicators (loss ratio, combined ratio, rate adequacy, growth, retention) and implement corrective actions
- Ensure disciplined underwriting while enabling innovation in complex or emerging risks
- Drive product innovation across Inland Marine segments (e.g., contractor's equipment, builder's risk, cargo, fine arts, installation floaters)
- Identify emerging risks and market opportunities (e.g., climate-related exposures, supply chain disruptions, renewable technologies)
- Partner with actuarial to ensure pricing sophistication and competitive positioning
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key brokers, agents, and distribution partners
- Establish go-to-market strategies that enhance visibility and differentiate offerings
- Represent the organization in the marketplace, including industry forums and client engagements
- Collaborate with risk, compliance, and reinsurance teams to optimize capital deployment and risk transfer strategies
- Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal governance frameworks
- Oversee exposure management, catastrophe aggregation, and accumulation controls
- Deliver profitable growth consistent with financial plans and risk tolerances
- Manage budget, expense discipline, and resource allocation for the Inland Marine business
- Contribute to forecasting, planning, and reporting cycles
Qualifications
- 15+ years of commercial property & casualty insurance experience, with deep specialization in Inland Marine or Specialty Lines
- Demonstrated success leading large underwriting teams and managing complex portfolios
- Strong understanding of Inland Marine classes, coverage forms, and risk characteristics
- Proven track record of driving profitable growth and achieving underwriting discipline
- Experience within a national or global insurer, MGA, or specialty carrier
- Advanced knowledge of construction, transportation, and/or specialty equipment risks
- Familiarity with delegated authority arrangements and alternative distribution models
- MBA or advanced insurance designations (e.g., CPCU, ARM)