Ryan Specialty names diversity head

Ryan Specialty has announced that Michael Blackshear, chief compliance and privacy officer, will assume additional responsibilities as the company’s head of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In this newly created role, Blackshear will lead the company’s DEI efforts.

“There are critical moral and ethical reasons for promoting DEI throughout our society, our firm, and the insurance industry,” said Patrick G. Ryan, founder, chairman and CEO of Ryan Specialty. “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.”

“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,” said Tim Turner, president of Ryan Specialty. “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 communication 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.”

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“Being a change agent for DEI has been my passion and inner calling,” Blackshear said. “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.”

Blackshear has more than 30 years of financial service and executive experience in compliance and risk management. Prior to joining Ryan Specialty, he was the North America chief compliance officer for Chubb Insurance Group. Before joining Chubb, he held various roles with Marsh & McLennan, focusing on compliance and government affairs. He has also held positions at KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Continental Insurance Company, and Alexander & Alexander Services.