Oak Re four appointees

OAK Reinsurance has announced a series of senior appointments across its underwriting, capital, and operations teams as the firm builds on a successful launch and positions for future growth.

The Bermuda-based reinsurer, which formally launched in November 2024, has already written approximately $400m in gross written premium since the start of 2025, attracting over 400 clients and nearing 50 staff across key functions.

OAK has now confirmed leadership roles across its three underwriting segments — property, specialty, and credit — under the direction of group chief underwriting officer Cathal Carr.

Sarah Walcott (bottom left) has been named director of underwriting for property, with responsibility for property catastrophe, specialty, and per risk lines. She will report to James Irvine, CUO of OAK Re.

Conrad Williams (top right) has been appointed director of underwriting for specialty, covering marine, energy, political violence, and cyber risks. He also reports to Irvine.

Karen Barker will join the firm in Q4 as director of underwriting for credit. Her remit will include conventional credit, political risk, and surety, and she will report to Tom Dickson, president of innovation strategies.

OAK has also appointed Ciara Svensen (top left) as head of ceded, overseeing the firm’s outwards reinsurance strategy across all classes. She reports to Alex Winfield, chief capital officer and head of strategy.

Tom Morgan (bottom right) becomes head of business development, tasked with managing strategic relationships with distribution partners and global multiclass clients. He reports to Roland Morse, managing director, London.

Cathal Carr, who is founder, CEO and group CUO, said the appointments marked a new phase in OAK’s evolution.

“The quality, breadth and diversity of talent we have appointed across Underwriting, Capital & Risk and Operations & Finance is absolutely fantastic,” he said.

“This development of our organisational structure will enhance our capabilities in these areas, while ensuring we are focused on servicing our clients and distribution partners, providing solutions in areas of evolving risk, and delivering profitable growth,” Carr added.