Michael Doyle is set to lead Pen Underwriting’s new operations in Ireland as the company looks to expand its foothold across the region. Doyle, who has spent over 25 years working in the Irish insurance market, will officially start as CEO of Pen’s Irish business on March 1, 2026, pending regulatory approval.
Before joining Pen Underwriting, Doyle was the CEO of Ivernia Insurance since 2023. His background also includes senior roles at Zurich Insurance Group and leadership at Wrightway Underwriting Ltd., a specialist transportation and haulage managing general agent (MGA). Wrightway was recently acquired by Pen in June 2024, marking Pen’s first physical presence in Ireland. This acquisition laid the groundwork for Pen to create a standalone Ireland division, which Doyle will now oversee.
Doyle’s role focuses on growing the business in Ireland by broadening the range of insurance products and services offered to brokers and clients. His goal is to build strong foundations for sustained growth while capitalizing on Pen’s existing strengths. The Irish operation will be part of Pen’s broader structure, which includes divisions covering commercial business, small and medium enterprises, personal lines, and public sector work. Pen Underwriting itself is a subsidiary of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., based in the U.S.
Meanwhile, across the Channel, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has promoted Frederic de Blieck to country manager for Belgium. De Blieck, who joined BHSI in 2022 as head of Executive & Professional Lines in Belgium, will now also oversee the company’s broader business in the country. He reports to Louis du Ché, who manages BHSI’s operations in France.
De Blieck brings nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance field, especially with financial lines. BHSI in Belgium offers a wide range of products, including property, casualty, executive and professional lines, along with multinational insurance programs. Based in Brussels, de Blieck is well-positioned to guide the firm’s growth in the Belgian market.
These moves suggest both Pen Underwriting and BHSI are strengthening their leadership teams to support growth and better serve clients in key European markets.