Specialty MGA appoints industry veteran to lead new bloodstock portfolio

Specialty MGA – part of MNK Group – has appointed 40-year industry veteran David Higgins to establish and lead its new global bloodstock portfolio.

The cover is aimed at high-value horses and focuses on the commercial and economic risks – such as injury, theft and death – of ownership, rather than standard veterinary care.

Higgins – a former member of the Lloyd’s Aviation and Bloodstock Committees – previously led the bloodstock function at Novae Underwriting, as well as overseeing the department’s transfer to Castel, where he also led the unit’s underwriting and business plan delivery operations.

In his new role, Higgins will be tasked with “building a bloodstock portfolio comprising of major-value risks worldwide” – initially with a focus on “providing additional capacity for high-value stallions, before expanding into racehorses, broodmares, major stud farms and high-value sport horses”.

Broadened specialist capabilities

Manoj Kumar, chairman at MNK Group, said: “Higgins’ appointment marks an important step as Specialty MGA continues to enhance its product offering and market reach.

“His deep technical knowledge and experience of developing bloodstock portfolios will play an important role in broadening our specialist capabilities and delivering further value to our broker partners.”

The new appointee added: “This is an exciting time of growth for Specialty MGA as it continues to develop new areas of expertise, providing an excellent platform to build the bloodstock account and work closely with brokers in the UK and internationally.

“The bloodstock market continues to present significant opportunities, particularly for high-value risks where demand for capacity remains strong. With plenty of scope for growth in the sector across the international market, I look forward to delivering specialist and tailored solutions for clients across the globe.”