What's Happening?
Amwins, a major insurance brokerage headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced the appointment of Michelle Yuko and Joey Shapiro as leaders of its newly established hospitality practice. This initiative is aimed at enhancing support for retail partners within the hospitality sector. Yuko, who is based in Satellite Beach, Florida, has nearly two decades of experience in the industry, with 14 years at Amwins focusing on hospitality property risks. Shapiro, based in Chicago, Illinois, joined Amwins in 2018 and has been instrumental in providing custom risk solutions for hospitality clients. In a related development, Pinion Insurance, a technology-enabled specialty insurer based in Hamilton, Bermuda, has named Kyle Selvig as its U.S.
Chief Underwriting Officer. Selvig, who will be based in Jacksonville, Florida, brings 25 years of experience in the property and casualty industry, including a significant tenure at Fortegra and Citizens Property Insurance. He will be responsible for building Pinion’s U.S. Managing General Agent network, with the first business expected to bind in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Why It's Important?
These appointments highlight a strategic focus on the hospitality sector by Amwins, which is significant given the industry's complex risk environment and the need for specialized insurance solutions. The leadership of Yuko and Shapiro is expected to drive innovation and tailored services, potentially enhancing Amwins' market position. For Pinion Insurance, the appointment of Selvig as U.S. CUO marks a critical step in expanding its operations in the U.S. market. His extensive experience is likely to facilitate the development of a robust MGA network, which could enhance Pinion's competitive edge in the specialty insurance market. These moves reflect broader trends in the insurance industry towards specialization and technological integration, which are crucial for addressing evolving client needs and market dynamics.
What's Next?
Amwins is likely to focus on integrating its new hospitality practice into its existing operations, leveraging the expertise of Yuko and Shapiro to expand its service offerings and client base. This could involve developing new products and services tailored to the unique needs of the hospitality industry. For Pinion Insurance, the next steps involve securing regulatory approval for its U.S. operations and establishing its MGA network. This expansion is expected to open new business opportunities and partnerships, potentially leading to increased market share in the U.S. specialty insurance sector. Both companies may also explore further technological advancements to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
