Dave Paulsson, co-founder of MS Transverse, a hybrid fronting carrier and a subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, will transition from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Chairman of the Board. He will be succeeded by current President John Fitzgerald, who will take over as CEO on July 15th, 2026.
Paulsson’s responsibilities with the parent organisation have also expanded, with his appointment as Strategic Advisor.
As Chairman, Paulsson will oversee the Board’s long-term strategic vision. In his new capacity as a Strategic Advisor to MS&AD, he will provide broad executive counsel to the conglomerate, leveraging his insight to support the group’s global objectives.
The firm explained that these leadership changes follow eight years of “extraordinary growth and industry-defining performance.”
Paulsson commented, “We set out to be the preferred partner for the highest quality underwriting platforms and capacity providers. I am very proud to say that we have achieved this goal.
“Our position and performance are a testament to the incredible team at MS Transverse and the exceptional quality of the MGAs and reinsurers who partner with us. I am excited to support the group’s global vision as an advisor while continuing to champion the MS Transverse mission as Chairman.”
Hiro Morimoto, CEO, MS&AD, added, “With the foundation of MS Transverse firmly in place and its integration within MS&AD a resounding success, we are honoured to retain Dave’s visionary perspective as a strategic resource for our entire group.
“His ability to scale a business while maintaining best-in-class profitability is rare. We look forward to his continued guidance as Chairman and his counsel as we pursue our global strategic goals.”
Fitzgerald said, “I am excited to lead MS Transverse and build upon the extraordinary foundation Dave and our team have established over the last eight years. MS Transverse’s success is rooted in a culture of technical excellence and the deep trust of our MGA and reinsurance partners. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the broader MS&AD Insurance Group to ensure we remain the partner of choice for the entire program market.”
