AUGUST 4, 2022 | CHICAGO, IL – Ryan Specialty is pleased to announce that Michael Blackshear, Chief Compliance & Privacy Officer, will assume additional responsibilities as the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). In this newly created function, Michael will lead Ryan Specialty in its ongoing efforts to promote DEI at the firm, in addition to building strong alliances within the insurance industry and our communities.

Commenting on Michael’s additional responsibilities, Patrick G. Ryan, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty, said: “There are critical moral and ethical reasons for promoting DEI throughout our society, our firm, and the insurance industry. The “business case” for building a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace has never been clearer. Since joining our firm, Michael has been a proactive force with operationalizing our Regulatory and Compliance function and has done so with a keen collegial understanding of our business, our people, and the clients we serve. We need a strong leader that will guide us on the next segment of our DEI journey, and I am pleased that Michael will be that leader.”

Tim Turner, President, Ryan Specialty, further commented: “Having team members with varied backgrounds and perspectives is essential to producing exceptional results when dealing with our clients and trading partners, domestically and internationally. Michael has demonstrated an intuitive nature in solving very complex compliance and regulatory issues with our business, regulators, and clients. His strong substantive knowledge of our business and industry, coupled with his analytical and communications skills, makes him the right leader for the next stage of our DEI evolution. I am excited to partner with Michael on this very important strategic initiative.”

Michael remarked that “being a change agent for DEI has been my passion and inner calling. This is important to me, and to so many individuals that I have had the privilege of listening to that are seeking fair and equitable opportunities for growth, advancement, and just to have their voice heard. I thank Pat Ryan and Tim Turner for making this one of our key strategic objectives for growth, attracting and retaining top talent, and for doing the right thing, because it’s the right thing to do.”

Michael has over 30 years of financial service and executive experience in the areas of compliance and risk management. Prior to joining Ryan Specialty, he was the North America chief compliance officer for Chubb Insurance Group, responsible for developing and maintaining their North American compliance program. Before Michael’s time with Chubb, he held various leadership roles with Marsh & McLennan Companies, focusing on compliance and government affairs. Other companies that Michael has served include KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Continental Insurance Company and Alexander & Alexander Services, Inc.

Michael can be reached at Michael.Blackshear@ryansg.com or 312.878.8953.

About Ryan Specialty

Founded in 2010, Ryan Specialty is a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. The firm provides distribution, underwriting, product development, administration and risk management services by acting as a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter with delegated authority from insurance carriers. Ryan Specialty’s mission is to provide industry-leading innovative specialty insurance solutions for insurance brokers, agents and carriers. (NYSE: RYAN) ryansg.com