Ryan Specialty Appoints Michael Blackshear as Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In this newly created function, Michael will lead Ryan Specialty’s DEI efforts in its ongoing efforts to promote DEI at Ryan Specialty, 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.