Juniper Re names new head of facultative in growth push

Juniper Re names new head of facultative in growth push | Insurance Business New Zealand

Reinsurance

Juniper Re names new head of facultative in growth push

His reinsurance expertise will shape tailored facultative solutions

Reinsurance

By
Kenneth Araullo

Juniper Re, the reinsurance broking division of The Baldwin Group, announced the appointment of Russ Wagner (pictured above) as head of facultative.

Wagner will lead the company’s entry into the facultative reinsurance market, bringing over 30 years of industry experience to the role. This move is part of Juniper Re’s broader expansion efforts, following its founding in 2023.

Wagner previously served as senior vice president at Aspen Insurance Group, where he managed the North American property treaty and facultative portfolio. He has extensive experience in driving profitable growth and leading teams in the reinsurance sector.

Juniper Re highlighted the appointment as a key step in the company’s efforts to grow its capabilities.

Jeff Irvan, president of Juniper Re, noted the significance of Wagner’s hire, emphasizing his ability to structure deals and approach risk from different perspectives.

“Russ’s leadership will ensure we don’t just offer facultative as a one-size-fits-all solution but work collaboratively across all disciplines to find the best outcome for our clients. With Russ at the helm, I’m confident our growth story is just beginning,” Irvan said.

“Juniper’s ‘one-team’ mentality is exactly how I’ve always believed reinsurance should operate. I look forward to helping drive innovative, tailored solutions that will support our clients in navigating today’s complex and fluid risk landscape, whether the ultimate outcome is a facultative placement or other form of risk transfer,” Wagner said.

The hiring of Wagner comes amid Juniper Re’s rapid growth. The company has made several strategic hires in recent months, including Nick Pewter, who is leading the firm’s expansion into the parametric space, and Chris Hayward, who is heading the Bermuda operations.

Wagner’s leadership in facultative reinsurance is expected to further strengthen Juniper Re’s ability to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

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