Profile
“As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of being able to back my own judgement and take a risk while at the same time maintaining a pragmatic approach”
Shevawn Barder
AM Specialty insurance Company (ASIC)
With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Shevawn Barder began her career as a broker and soon after decided to start her own business.
“As a Lloyd’s broker, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the London, European, and international insurance markets and the industry as a whole. From that experience, I launched a Reinsurance MGA in London with my husband. We ultimately relocated to North America to concentrate on the US insurance market,” she says.
The CEO of ASIC, which previously operated as AM RE Syndicate, has successfully led the Dallas-based firm through its first year of operations. She spearheaded the transition initiative, onboarding a diverse group of talent professionals across underwriting, legal, financial analytics, and software engineering.
“As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of being able to back my own judgement and take a risk while at the same time maintaining a pragmatic approach,” says Barder. “I had the vision that aligned with my goals, but you also need a bit of luck and timing along the way.”
Using her sharp business acumen, Barder led ASIC to achieve an AM Best Financial Strength A-minus rating and over $100 million in GWP from the company's first year.
1717 Main St., Suite 2650, Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 329 9374
contact.us@amspecialty.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shevawn-barder-00a56963/
amspecialty.com
Shevawn Barder
Chief Executive Officer
AM Specialty insurance Company (ASIC)
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“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
1986
2007
2016
2022
2023
Began career as a broker at Lloyd’s of London for Willis Faber, Alexander Howden, and Sedgwick
1986
Co-founded and managed Marine Re, one of the first ever reinsurance MGAs. After several successful years, Marine Re was sold to Liberty Mutual Ironshore.
2000
Co-founded and managed AM RE Syndicate, a reinsurance intermediary out of New York. Relocated the company to Dallas, Texas and grew its GWP to over $600 million
2014
Launched AM Specialty Insurance Company (ASIC), an AM Best A-Rated Excess and Surplus Insurance Carrier and Accredited Reinsurer
As CEO of ASIC, she grew GWP to over $100 million in the company’s first year across various specialty lines such as commercial and niche property, casualty, transportation, ocean and inland marine, cyber, and miscellaneous specialty lines.
2022
Named M3 Insurance partner
2023
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
“I would say what most companies would achieve in two years, we've achieved in one year,” reflects the CEO.
“My strongest quality is my ability to make decisions and execute. I am a very decisive person and have been described as tenacious. My ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities, coupled with innovative problem-solving, defines my professional strength.”
As a woman leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, Barder notes that the industry often lacks female representation in leadership roles. Hoping to use her influence to inspire the next generation of female professionals, she is an active member of Dress for Success, a national charity focused on helping unemployed women achieve economic independence.
In collaboration with the charity, Barder has hosted clothing drives at her home and delivered informative talks about her career experience. In recognition of her efforts, she was presented with an honoree nomination from the charity in 2022.
“The opportunity to be identified as an Elite Woman gives me the ability to act as a role model and mentor to others. The recognition of women’s contributions is vital as it brings diverse perspectives into the insurance industry and alternative leadership styles to the forefront. I feel a responsibility to inspire other women, demonstrating that with hard work and resilience, they too can achieve great success,” she says.
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