Ryan Specialty International has announced the appointment of Chris Newby as its new general counsel. With over 25 years of legal and insurance industry expertise, Newby steps into the role following the upcoming retirement of Carin Verhagen, who has served the firm for 12 years.
A Legacy of Leadership
Verhagen, a seasoned professional with a career spanning more than three decades, has been instrumental in Ryan’s growth. Known for her advocacy for women in the workplace, Verhagen brought her expertise from senior legal roles at Aon Corporation and Ryan Specialty. Her dedication and leadership will be celebrated as she concludes her tenure at the end of February.
Mark Katz, general counsel of Ryan Specialty, commended Verhagen’s contributions, stating, “We would also like to express our enormous appreciation to Carin for her extraordinary commitment and contributions to Ryan Specialty.”
New Leadership with Global Expertise
Chris Newby brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held key positions at AIG, including general counsel for the UK and EMEA and chief operating officer of AIG Europe Ltd. His comprehensive understanding of international legal landscapes positions him to drive growth in key regions.
Based in London, Newby will oversee legal and compliance functions, aligning with the firm’s strategic goals. Mark Katz expressed confidence in Newby’s leadership, “Chris brings a wealth of international legal experience to Ryan Specialty. We welcome not only his acute legal acumen and talented executive leadership skills, but also his deep knowledge of the UK and EMEA landscapes as we look to expand Ryan Specialty International deeper into these geographies.”
Looking Ahead
Newby officially assumed his role this week, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Ryan Specialty International. With his appointment, the firm aims to strengthen its presence in the UK and EMEA markets while building on the strong foundation laid by Verhagen.
As the company continues to expand, Newby’s leadership will play a pivotal role in navigating the legal and compliance challenges of an ever-changing global insurance industry.