People Moves: Quigley Ascot’s Surety Lead; Olson Named Zurich N.A. Head of Programs

Quigley Named Ascot’s Head of Surety

Ascot appointed Tara Quigley executive vice president and head of Surety. She will be responsible for developing, and managing Ascot’s Surety portfolio across the U.S. Her appointment marks the final stage of Ascot’s entry into the U.S. Surety market where she’ll act as the product lead, writing on behalf of Ascot’s Treasury Listed carrier – Ascot Surety & Casualty Company. Based in New Jersey, she’ll report to Matt Kramer, CEO, U.S. Insurance.

Quigley joins from Argo, having been at the company since 2008 when she joined to help launch their Surety practice.

Commenting on the appointment, Matt Kramer said:

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.

Zurich N.A. Hires Olson Head of Programs

Denise Olson has been named head of programs for Zurich North America, effective immediately. She will report to Alex Wells, head of U.S. middle market, and will continue as a member of the Zurich North America Leadership Team. She succeeds Greg Massey, who is retiring.

Olson is responsible for the executive management of Zurich’s programs business and fostering and maintaining strategic relationships with program administrators.

Olson joined Zurich in 2003 and has held several leadership roles in underwriting, product development and actuarial. She most recently served as the technical director for programs, working with the line of business and pricing & actuarial teams to lead technical underwriting for programs. She also continued her responsibilities for new program selection and the due diligence process.