Fusion Specialty appoints new CEOs

Global boutique M&A and specialty insurance services group Fusion Specialty has promoted Michael Federer to the role of chief executive, Fusion Specialty North America, and Katherine Simmonds to the role of chief executive, Fusion Specialty, International.

The company said that the appointments add additional bench strength to the executive team of the growth-stage business, which recently attracted investment from high-quality private equity partner Direct Capital Group.

Federer, who was previously managing partner, sales & distribution, M&A, is a seasoned insurance executive, with more than 18 years of combined experience as a corporate attorney focused on M&A deals, and as an M&A insurance underwriter. In his new role, Federer will continue to drive Fusion’s buildout in North America of its M&A insurance product suite, including its M&A Tech solution: Mio (M&A Insurance Online).

Simmonds joined Fusion Specialty in 2021 and, as managing partner, spearheaded the growth of the business in the M&A insurance markets across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. She previously held executive positions at global brokers, as well as at leading specialty insurers, for whom she pioneered the underwriting of M&A products in APAC, fostering strong connections in the London and international markets. In her new role, she will be responsible for further developing Fusion’s presence in the UK, APAC and EMEA regions, including M&A, Financial Lines and other specialist insurance products.

David Rogers, group co-chief executive and co-founder commented: “We are delighted with these promotions, and with Katie’s and Michael’s outstanding leadership of two very capable teams. Their ongoing contributions will be significant in realizing Fusion’s vision of pioneering the concept of MGA 3.0, combining a global infrastructure of licensed MGAs with local teams of experts. With tech at the core, we are empowering better underwriting, innovative products, partnership distribution and sustainable insurance.”