David De Berry
Managing Director
- Group:Leadership Team
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Contingent Risk, North America Tax, Specific Litigation
David De Berry
Managing Director
David S. De Berry is a Managing Director of Ryan Transactional Risk and is the former founder and Chief Executive Officer of Concord Specialty Risk.
Mr. De Berry is an attorney, admitted in both New York and New Jersey. He also has a Masters in Tax Law (LLM, from New York University). Mr. De Berry is an experienced M&A lawyer, tax lawyer, and trial attorney. He represented clients in the purchase and acquisition financing of Club Med; he represented clients in tax disputes before the IRS and the NJ Division of Taxation; he successfully tried and appealed cases in both Federal and State courts.
David created the buyer-based Representations & Warranties insurance product, which is now the commonly used method for transferring risk in U.S. M&A. David also is credited with causing the US Treasury to revise its temporary regulations concerning tax insurance with respect to ‘”reportable transaction” reporting requirements. Treasury revised its temporary regulations after hearing Mr. De Berry’s testimony, as the sole witness objecting to the regulations.
Prior to forming Concord Specialty Risk in 2011, David was Vice President at The Hartford, in charge of all claim departments within Hartford’s financial products division (D&O, E&O, LPL, Fidelity, EPL, Transactional Risk, GAP, etc.). Prior to this, he established and ran The Hartford’s transactional risk underwriting unit. David entered the insurance industry in 1974 and has held various managerial positions.
As Managing Director, David manages North American underwriting of Tax Insurance, Litigation Insurance, and Other Contingent Liability Insurance.
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James Montgomery
Managing Director
- Group:Leadership Team
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
James Montgomery
Managing Director
‘Monty’ has been in the insurance market since 2011, initially with the law firm Kennedys and subsequently with QBE, underwriting Financial and Commercial Institution’s D&O, PI, Crime and BBB as well as M&A products. Monty graduated from the University of Leeds with a 2:1 BSc in Geography before completing his LLB at the College of Law. Monty joined Ryan Transactional Risk in March 2016.
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George Pearce
Managing Director
- Group:Leadership Team
- Location:London
- Specialty:Contingent Risk, Warranty & Indemnity
George Pearce
Managing Director
George started his career training at Norton Rose Fulbright and qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2013. George spent 3 years working in the corporate department, 6 years working at Norton Rose Fulbright, which included 3 successful secondments to Norton Rose Fulbright Paris, F&C Investment Management and Fenchurch Advisory Partners. Whilst at Norton Rose Fulbright, George advised on both private M&A, Equity Capital Market transactions and general corporate advisory work. George graduated from Hatfield College at Durham University and holds a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages (French and Spanish) and completed his law degree at BPP. George joined Ryan Transactional Risk in March 2016.
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Rich Stansfield
Managing Director
- Group:Leadership Team
- Location:London
- Specialty:Contingent Risk, Warranty & Indemnity
Rich Stansfield
Managing Director
Rich started his career training at DLA Piper and qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales in 2011. Rich spent 7 years working for DLA Piper UK LLP, with 5 years as a solicitor in DLA Piper’s debt finance department. During Rich’s time, he also undertook 3 successful client secondments at UBS Investment Bank, HSBC Bank plc and Hayfin Capital Management LLP. Rich graduated from Sheffield University with a First-Class Bachelors of Arts in Politics and holds a First Class LLB from the College of Law. Rich joined Ryan Transactional Risk in November 2016.
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Ellie Barnham
Operations Analyst
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Ellie Barnham
Operations Analyst
Ellie graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2019 with a 2:1 in American studies alongside spending a year studying in the United States. Ellie joined Ryan Transactional Risk in March 2020.
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Caroline Barry
Assistant Vice President & Counsel, RWI
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Caroline Barry
Assistant Vice President & Counsel, RWI
Caroline was an associate attorney at Ropes & Gray, with her practice focusing on private equity and M&A transactions. She is an attorney and a member of the New York Bar. Caroline received her J.D. cum laude from St. John’s University School of Law, and her B.A. in Philosophy magna cum laude from the University of Miami. During law school, she served as associate managing editor of the St. John’s Law Review. Caroline joined Ryan Transactional Risk in September 2023.
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Marta Batalla
Director, Spanish Branch
- Location:Barcelona, Madrid
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Marta Batalla
Director, Spanish Branch
Marta started her career in the insurance market at ANV in April 2014, underwriting M&A insurance products for all Continental Europe, with specific focus on Nordic countries and Southern Europe (in particular in Spain, Portugal and France). As Spanish senior underwriter, she highly contributed to the development of the W&I Insurance in Spain during the last five years, building up a solid and successful portfolio in the Iberian market. Marta is a Spanish qualified lawyer, member of the Bar Association of Barcelona (Spain) since October 2002, with 13 years of professional experience as a corporate and M&A lawyer, in some of the most reputable law firms (i.e. GARRIGUES, Baker & McKenzie). Marta joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2019.
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Christian Weiss Bruhn
Senior Underwriter
- Location:Copenhagen
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Christian Weiss Bruhn
Senior Underwriter
Christian started his career at Kromann Reumert in 2013, joining in the banking & finance department before moving to the department for corporate transactions and capital & financial markets. He then qualified as a Danish attorney-at-law in 2016. In 2019, Christian joined Accura’s banking & finance department, co-heading the investment funds and regulatory teams. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (BA.jur.) and a Master of Laws (Cand.jur.) from the University of Copenhagen as well as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Christian joined Ryan Transactional Risk in November 2022.
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Martí Crespo
Underwriter
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Martí Crespo
Underwriter
Martí is a Spanish-qualified lawyer, admitted to the bar in Barcelona in 2015, and he specialised in M&A, with 6 years of experience working at DWF-RCD in Barcelona. He has a broad experience in the energy industry, representing a diverse number of clients, including both institutional and private equity funds. Martí graduated from Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona after having completed a year in Università degli studi di Trento in Italy, and he holds a Masters’ degree (LLM) in International Financial Law at King’s College London. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Italian.
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Nelly Dalton
Project Manager
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Nelly Dalton
Project Manager
Nelly graduated from Newcastle University in 2018 with a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts in Politics and previously worked as an intern for Price Forbes & Partners in the International Property and Real Estate department. Nelly joined Ryan Transactional Risk in August 2018.
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Fiona Doyle
Tax Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:International Tax
Fiona Doyle
Tax Underwriter
Fiona qualified in 1997 as a corporate tax lawyer at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang and then joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as their first UK tax lawyer. Fiona has worked at Slaughter & May, Norton Rose Fulbright and, most recently, Stephenson Harwood LLP. Fiona graduated from the University of Manchester with a First Class Bachelor of Laws and completed her legal training at The College of Law. Fiona joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2023.
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Sally Elshihabi
Vice President
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Sally Elshihabi
Vice President
Sally graduated magna cum laude and received her J.D. from American University – Washington College of Law in Washington, DC in 2006. Prior to law school, she was a Fulbright Fellow in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Sally began her legal career assisting international and domestic clients while working at U.S based international law firms in Washington, DC and Abu Dhabi. She then moved to Akerman LLP as Special Counsel focusing on transactional risk & RWI matters, mergers and acquisitions and commercial and corporate matters. Sally joined Ryan Transactional Risk in November 2022.
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Michel Macedo Estrada
Tax Underwriter
- Location:Madrid
- Specialty:International Tax
Michel Macedo Estrada
Tax Underwriter
Michel graduated from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and Universidad Nebrija with a Bachelor of Laws in each of them and is a qualified lawyer, admitted to practice law in Spain and Mexico. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree (LLM) in Spanish taxation from Centro de Estudios Garrigues. He worked at Ashurst LLP for more than 5 years where he specialised in providing tax advice for a wide variety of clients in domestic and cross-border M&A and Real Estate transactions. Michel joined Ryan Transactional Risk in June 2023.
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Aaron Fields
Vice President & Counsel, RWI
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Aaron Fields
Vice President & Counsel, RWI
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Connor Fitzpatrick
Senior Analyst
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Connor Fitzpatrick
Senior Analyst
Connor obtained a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in finance from Binghamton University. He joined Ryan Transaction Risk in March 2021 as an analyst.
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Coralie Gass
Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Coralie Gass
Underwriter
Coralie started her career in France training at, amongst other firms, Linklater LLP, and qualified as a lawyer in France in 2013 and as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2019. Coralie worked in the Restructuring and Insolvency department of Bird & Bird LLP in Paris and then moved to London and spent 7 years working in the Restructuring, Banking and Insolvency department of Michelmores. She also advised insolvency practitioners on various matters, including business and asset sales by way of pre-pack, and directors on their duties whilst trading in difficult circumstances. Coralie holds a Master in Management from ESCP Europe Business School, a Master II of French-English Business Law from University of Paris-Sud XI and speaks French, Spanish and English. Coralie joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2023.
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Rafa Giménez-Reyna
Senior Tax Underwriter
- Location:Madrid
- Specialty:International Tax
Rafa Giménez-Reyna
Senior Tax Underwriter
Rafa graduated in Law and holds a BA from Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, including a 7 month stay in Università degli studi di Trieste in Italy. In addition, he holds a Masters’ degree (LLM) in Corporate Law from Centro de Estudios Garrigues in Madrid. He is a Spanish-qualified lawyer, admitted to the bar in Madrid in 2010 and specialising in tax M&A and real estate transactions. Rafa has more than 12 years of experience working at Clifford Chance, PwC and Allen&Overy, advising both buyer and seller-side transactions for a variety of clients, including international funds, private equity firms, corporations and financial institutions. Rafa joined Ryan Transactional Risk in July 2022.
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James Harding
Underwriting Assistant
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
James Harding
Underwriting Assistant
James graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2017 with a MA in History. He previously worked as an Underwriting Assistant in the Intellectual Property team at Opus Underwriting. James joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2020.
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Isabel den Hollander
Underwriter
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Isabel den Hollander
Underwriter
Isabel started her career in 2015 at Marsh in the Netherlands where she was responsible for the management of a selection of global client accounts. Subsequently, after moving to Spain, Isabel joined ANV where she worked as a junior M&A underwriter with a particular focus on the Benelux. Isabel graduated from the Erasmus University in Rotterdam and holds a Masters’ degree in Insurance and Liability Law (LL.M). Isabel speaks fluent Dutch, English and has an intermediate level of Spanish. Isabel joined Ryan Transactional Risk in February 2019.
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Sam Hurst
Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Sam Hurst
Underwriter
Sam graduated from Wadham College, University of Oxford with a 2:1 in Jurisprudence (Law) and completed his legal training at BBP Law School. He trained qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales at Hogan Lovells International LLP in 2017 before moving to Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher UK LLP in 2021. Sam advised clients on a range of commercial real estate matters, across a variety of sectors, including acquisitions and disposals of investment properties, property financing, lettings and portfolio management and development projects. Sam joined Ryan Speciality Transactional Risks International in June 2022.
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Brenda Jeknavorian
Senior Vice President, Head of Claims, North America
- Location:New York
- Specialty:North America Claims
Brenda Jeknavorian
Senior Vice President, Head of Claims, North America
Brenda obtained her JD from Boston University. She was an insurance defense litigator and thereafter focused her practice as an insurance coverage trial attorney at Alder Pollock & Sheehan, where she represented insurers in connection with a variety of complex coverage claims. Brenda subsequently assumed managerial and officer positions at The Hartford and then Liberty Mutual overseeing claim teams, ultimately serving as Vice President and Head of the E&O Claims Department. Brenda joined Ryan Transactional Risk in 2016 overseeing claims reported under RWIU, Tax, OCL and litigation insurance policies.
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Lois Johnson
Underwriting Assistant
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Lois Johnson
Underwriting Assistant
Lois graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2021 with a First-Class Honours in Criminology and Sociology and previously worked as an Insurance Technician for Howden Insurance brokers in the marine department. Lois joined Ryan Transactional Risk in August 2022.
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Luke Jones
Project Manager
- Location:London
- Specialty:International Claims, Warranty & Indemnity
Luke Jones
Project Manager
Luke graduated from Bristol University with a 2:1 in Management and completed a series of internships for a year, including one at Moneda Asset Management in Chile. Luke joined Ryan Transactional Risk in November 2019.
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Luc Joordens
Director, Spanish Branch
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Luc Joordens
Director, Spanish Branch
Luc has been in the insurance market for 10 years, underwriting various financial lines and M&A insurance products across a wide range of different European territories. Having joined ANV during its start-up phase early 2011, Luc successfully built up a Financial Lines and M&A insurance book with a particular focus on the Benelux and Germany. In 2017 he became Underwriting Manager of ANV’s continental European M&A team. Luc holds a Masters’ degree in both International Private Law and Economics from the University of Amsterdam and University of Maastricht respectively and speaks fluent Dutch, English, German and Spanish. Luc joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2019.
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Bill Kellogg
Head of North American Tax Insurance
- Location:New York
- Specialty:North America Tax
Bill Kellogg
Head of North American Tax Insurance
Bill Kellogg has underwritten over $2 billion of tax insurance limits covering a multitude of risks arising from M&A transactions, financings and other events. He is a market leader in underwriting tax controversy insurance and is a go-to underwriter for large tax insurance programs, recognized by brokers and underwriters alike for his sophistication, professionalism, transparency, and expediency. Bill joined the tax insurance industry in 2019 and joined Ryan Transactional Risk in 2022, leaving his role as Global Head of Tax Insurance for a reputable competitor to lead Ryan Transactional Risk’s tax insurance business in North America and build upon the company’s reputation as an industry pioneer. Before entering the tax insurance industry, Bill worked for over a decade in roles as an external tax adviser (for Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP and O’Melveny & Myers LLP) and as in-house tax counsel (for Oracle Corporation and American International Group).
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Jason King
Vice President, Policy Counsel
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Jason King
Vice President, Policy Counsel
Jason graduated with a JD/MBA from Rutgers University and began his legal career as an M&A associate with Sullivan and Cromwell. He then transitioned into practicing as an insurance coverage litigator with Drinker Biddle & Reath prior to moving to Squire Patton Boggs, where he was promoted to partner. Jason represented insurers in connection with a variety of complex coverage claims and litigations across the country and counseled his clients in connection with the drafting of insurance policies and endorsements. Jason joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2021.
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Masaya Koga
Operations Analyst
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Operations
Masaya Koga
Operations Analyst
Masaya graduated from American University in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and History along with a minor in Finance. He previously worked as an Associate Sales Director at Tempus and as a Data Operations Associate at CB Insights, focusing on M&A and VC funding. Masaya joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2023.
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Katarzyna Kos
Underwriter
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Katarzyna Kos
Underwriter
Katarzyna is a qualified Polish lawyer, who was admitted to the bar in Szczecin (Poland) in 2013 and subsequently led her own law office for over 5 years. After moving to Spain, Katarzyna joined the M&A insurance market as an underwriter with particular focus on the CEE region, where she contributed to the development of W&I products across the region. Katarzyna speaks fluent Polish, English, German, Spanish and has an intermediate level of Catalan. Katarzyna joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2022.
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Beth Lair
Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Beth Lair
Underwriter
Beth holds a First-Class Bachelor of Law from the University of Sheffield and started her career at Taylor Root as a legal and compliance recruitment consultant focusing on recruiting lawyers. In September 2017, she joined Ryan Transactional Risk.
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Innes Leighton
Global Head of Operations
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Innes Leighton
Global Head of Operations
Innes holds a First-Class Bachelor of Economic and Social Studies in International Politics and the Third World from Aberystwyth University, and a Master of Letters in Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asian Security Studies from the University of St. Andrews. Innes worked at Deverell Associates as a crisis management and risk researcher before joining Communicate Recruitment Solutions, a financial recruitment firm. Innes joined Ryan Transactional Risk in September 2016.
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Ayanna Lewis-Gruss
Vice President & Underwriting Counsel, Litigation Insurance
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Contingent Risk, Specific Litigation
Ayanna Lewis-Gruss
Vice President & Underwriting Counsel, Litigation Insurance
Ayanna Lewis-Gruss has quickly achieved a leadership position within the niche industry of litigation insurance. Ayanna has successfully undertaken cutting-edge litigation insurance solutions and her perspective is sought out by brokers, law firms and litigation funders. Prior to joining Ryan TR, Ms. Lewis-Gruss spent more than eighteen-years as a litigator at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. She has experience trying a wide range of complex cases. Ms. Lewis-Gruss received her J.D. at Georgetown University Law Center and her B.S. from Cornell University.
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Lynn Li
Claim Analyst
Lynn graduated University at Buffalo in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. She previously served in legal administrative roles for Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson. Lynn joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2022.
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James Longman
Senior Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
James Longman
Senior Underwriter
James obtained a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts degree in Land Economy from Cambridge University, and obtained both his Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at BPP Law School. James trained and qualified at SJ Berwin (now known as King & Wood Mallesons) in 2013, subsequently joining Eversheds in its Planning & Development team in May 2013 and Edwin Coe LLP in the Real Estate team in 2016. At Edwin Coe, he advised Private Equity and Corporate clients on real estate matters including investment, debt refinancing, commercial leases, residential development and share purchase agreements. James joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2019.
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Robert Lustgarten
Vice President
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Robert Lustgarten
Vice President
Rob began his career working within the Audit Practice at Deloitte, where he earned his Certified Public Accountant license in 2011 and gained extensive experience leading both public and private audits across numerous industries. Subsequently, Rob was a Manager within the M&A Advisory Group at Deloitte serving private equity and strategic clients in a diversified number of capacities, including deal advisory, buy-side and sell-side due diligence, assistance with carve-outs and restructuring. Rob is a Certified Fraud Examiner and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. Rob joined Ryan Transactional Risk in September 2017.
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Mike Marston
Head of Operational W&I (London Market)
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Mike Marston
Head of Operational W&I (London Market)
Mike graduated from University College London with a 2:1 LLB in Law with Advanced Studies, and completed his legal training at BPP Law School in Holborn. He started his legal career at CMS Cameron McKenna LLP (as it was then known) where he trained and qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales in 2010, and he continued his career at Hogan Lovells International LLP and thereafter Pinsent Masons LLP. During his decade in private practice, Mike became a senior finance lawyer who advised clients seeking to raise or provide finance relating to the (re-)development, refinancing and acquisition of UK and international infrastructure, renewable energy and real estate assets, both on a single asset and portfolio basis. Throughout his career, Mike has advised sophisticated infrastructure, energy and real estate developers and investors (or their funders) on some of the most complex and/or high value transactions that have come to market and has a wealth of experience advising on cross border matters. Mike joined Ryan Transactional Risk in June 2020.
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Gabriela López Mateos
Underwriter
- Location:Madrid
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Gabriela López Mateos
Underwriter
Gabriela is a Spanish-qualified lawyer, admitted to the bar in Madrid, and she specialises in M&A, with more than 5 years of experience working in top national and international law firms in Madrid and Paris. Gabriela obtained a double degree in Spanish and French Law from ICADE University in Madrid and Nanterre X in Paris, respectively. She completed her Master’s Degree in Access to Law (specialised in corporate law) in ICADE. She is fluent in Spanish, English and French.
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John McCann
Analyst
John graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a BA in Business in 2014 before beginning his career in the insurance industry, underwriting Title Insurance for 3 years. John joined Ryan Transactional Risk in February 2018.
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Natasha Mirzabaigian
Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Natasha Mirzabaigian
Underwriter
Natasha graduated from King’s College London with a 2:1 LLB in Law and completed her legal training at The University of Law in Moorgate. She started her legal career at Walker Morris LLP, where she trained and qualified as a solicitor in 2017, subsequently joining Gowling WLG (UK) LLP’s Real Estate team in 2019. Natasha joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2022.
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Konstantinos Papagiannakis
Analyst
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Contingent Risk
Konstantinos Papagiannakis
Analyst
Konstantinos graduated from St. John’s University with a BA in Risk Management and Insurance. He then served as a commercial auto claims adjuster for Atlas Financials Holdings (including confirming policy coverage, investigating and negotiating liability with claimants, and paying out legitimate claims). Konstantinos joined Ryan Transactional Risk in March 2022.
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Rustin Paul
Chief Underwriting Officer
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Rustin Paul
Chief Underwriting Officer
Rustin has been a mergers and acquisitions specialist for over 20 years. He received his law degree from the Temple University School of Law and his M.B.A. from the Temple University Fox School of Business. Rustin spent 15 years as a corporate M&A attorney at the law firm of Blank Rome, where he began his career and later became a partner. He has underwritten over $3 billion in RWI limits and leads a team of experienced underwriters and analysts who work with a variety of clients and brokers to evaluate, underwrite and find solutions to even the most complex risks. Rustin joined Ryan Transactional Risk in August 2018.
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Hunter Phillips
Assistant Vice President
- Location:New York
- Specialty:North America Tax, Reps & Warranties
Hunter Phillips
Assistant Vice President
Hunter has worked with Ryan Transactional Risk since June 2021, with experience underwriting both Tax and Reps & Warranties policies. Prior to joining the team, Hunter worked with Ernst & Young’s Transaction Tax group in New York, London, and Munich, where he led a wide variety of domestic and cross-border transaction diligence and structuring engagements. Hunter obtained his LL.M in Tax Law from New York University and his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
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Iris Rivera
Executive Administrative Assistant
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Operations
Iris Rivera
Executive Administrative Assistant
Iris has over 20 years of operations management experience. She has extensive experience with administrative tasks, including coordination with brokers and underwriters, invoice management, contract compliance audits and bookkeeping. Iris joined Ryan Transactional Risk in 2014.
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Rachel Rutherford
Underwriting Technician
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Rachel Rutherford
Underwriting Technician
Rachel graduated with a 2:1 Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with Forensic Psychology from Goldsmiths, University of London. She joined Ryan Transactional Risk in July 2021.
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Alicia Sanchez
Senior Underwriter
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Alicia Sanchez
Senior Underwriter
Alicia has been in the insurance market since 2015, initially joining ANV and successfully leading the M&A insurance book in Italy, French-speaking countries and South-Eastern Europe. Alicia then served as VP, Senior Underwriter for Sompo International, where she was actively involved in building up the M&A Insurance team and developing and growing a book of profitable M&A insurance business in Continental Europe. Alicia also has 8 years of professional experience as a corporate and M&A lawyer and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation and Interpreting (Italian), as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and a Master in Professional Legal Practice.
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Gabriela Santos
Operations Analyst
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Operations
Gabriela Santos
Operations Analyst
Gabriela graduated from Lehman College with a BS in Psychology in 2018. She then worked in Operations and Data Management in Cartier and Tiffany & Co. Gabriela joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2023.
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Fabio Schiavottiello
Underwriter
Fabio is an Italian-qualified lawyer, admitted to the bar in Rome. He has more than 7 years of experience working in M&A teams of top-tier national and international law firms in Rome and Milan, as well as academic and teaching experience in the corporate law area. Fabio graduated at LUISS University in Rome, is currently completing a PhD in corporate and financial markets law and is fluent in Italian and English. Fabio joined Ryan Transactional Risk in February 2023.
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Ulrich Schiener
Senior Underwriter
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Ulrich Schiener
Senior Underwriter
Ulrich has almost a decade of professional experience in M&A and private equity which he gained through working as a W&I underwriter, and in his previous roles as a senior lawyer in the Munich office of Eversheds Sutherland and with a boutique law firm in Mannheim. He is fully qualified in Germany and Spain, being admitted to the bar in Munich as in-house lawyer (Syndikusrechtsanwalt) and to the bar in Madrid. Ulrich holds a Magister Iuris from Heidelberg University, and a multi-disciplinary Bachelor of Laws in business law and economics. He speaks German, English and Spanish. Ulrich joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2021.
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Sarthak Sharma
Vice President & Counsel
- Location:New York
- Specialty:Reps & Warranties
Sarthak Sharma
Vice President & Counsel
Sarthak graduated from Mississippi State University before earning his law degree from the University of Georgia. During his legal career, Sarthak has underwritten Representations and Warranties insurance at Beazley and AXA XL. Additionally, he served as Underwriting Counsel for Hiscox where he was created insurance policies and endorsements for a variety of lines of business, including Cyber, Architects & Engineers, Entertainment and General Liability. Sarthak joined Ryan Transactional Risk in April 2022.
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Kiylo Solagbade
Underwriting Assistant
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Kiylo Solagbade
Underwriting Assistant
Kiylo graduated from Coventry University with a First-Class Honours in International Business Management. Kiylo joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2023.
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Meghan Stringer
Junior Underwriting Technician
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Meghan Stringer
Junior Underwriting Technician
Meghan holds a 2:1 BSc in Criminology and Law from Oxford Brookes University and a 2:1 MA in Criminology and Forensic Phycology from Kingston University. She joined Ryan Speciality Transactional Risks International in September 2022.
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Derin Ulph
Tax Underwriter
- Location:London
- Specialty:International Tax
Derin Ulph
Tax Underwriter
Derin trained and qualified into the corporate tax team at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, before later joining the tax team at Norton Rose Fulbright. Throughout her legal career, Derin has advised on a wide range of domestic and cross-border tax matters including M&A, real estate, funds and restructurings. During her time in private practice, Derin went on two secondments, including a six month secondment to AIG as part of their W&I underwriting team. Derin graduated from the University of Warwick with a 2:1 Bachelor of Laws and completed both her legal training and LLM at Kaplan Law School (as it was then known). Derin joined Ryan Transactional Risk in February 2022.
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Maxime Violon
Underwriter
- Location:Barcelona
- Specialty:Warranty & Indemnity
Maxime Violon
Underwriter
Maxime obtained his Bachelor and Master in Laws’ degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles where he graduated cum laude in June 2016. During his Master’s, he founded and was the president of one the first legal clinics in Belgium (QUID ASBL), which received several awards. After completing an LLM degree at Duke University School of Law in May 2017, he started his career as a lawyer. Maxime was Lead Lawyer at DLA Piper in the Corporate/M&A department, focusing on mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, company restructurings and other general corporate matters, both internationally and domestically. He is fluent in English and French and conversational in Dutch. Maxime joined Ryan Transactional Risk in September 2022.
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Kerry Westwell
Head of Tax (excluding US & Canada)
- Location:London
- Specialty:International Tax
Kerry Westwell
Head of Tax (excluding US & Canada)
Kerry brings over 21 years of corporate tax experience gained in international law firms. Kerry started her career in private practice as a corporate tax lawyer and qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales in March 1998. Kerry spent 3 years working in the corporate tax department of Lovell White Durrant ( as then was) followed by 6 years working in the London office of Debevoise & Plimpton LLP as their first UK tax lawyer. In 2007 Kerry was hired as head of the tax knowledge function for Hogan Lovells LLP. This was followed by 17 months in the corporate tax team Simmons & Simmons LLP where Kerry performed a practice development role. Kerry graduated from King’s College London with a 2:1 Bachelor of Laws and London University with a Master of Tax Law. Kerry joined Ryan Transactional Risk in June 2019.
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Alex White
Senior Underwriter, Head of Claims, UK & EU
- Location:London
- Specialty:International Claims, Warranty & Indemnity
Alex White
Senior Underwriter, Head of Claims, UK & EU
Alex started his career training at Mayer Brown and qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales in 2018. Alex spent a further year at Mayer Brown working in its Litigation and Dispute Resolution department. Whilst at Mayer Brown Alex went on two secondments, first working with the W&I underwriting team of the Beazley Group and secondly assisting in the claims department of Allied World. Alex graduated from the University of York with a 2:1 Bachelor of Arts degree in History and completed his Graduate Diploma in Law at the University of Law. Alex joined Ryan Transactional Risk in January 2019.
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Hannah Williams
Underwriting Assistant
- Location:London
- Specialty:Operations
Hannah Williams
Underwriting Assistant
Hannah graduated from the University of Southampton with 2:1 in Law with Psychology LLB in 2018 and has previously worked in finance and risk management. Hannah joined Ryan Transactional Risk in May 2022.
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Jenny Wong
Vice President & Counsel, Tax
- Location:New York
- Specialty:North America Tax
Jenny Wong
Vice President & Counsel, Tax
Jenny is an attorney and a member of the New York Bar. Jenny has over 19 years of U.S. tax experience. With concentrations in mergers, acquisitions, banking, financial products and insurance company taxation, Jenny worked in roles as an external tax advisor (for the Banking, Capital Markets and Insurance practice at PwC where she specialized in serving insurance, private equity and other financial institutions clients), as in-house tax attorney (for JPMorgan, AIG, Barclays, HSBC and Enstar Group), and as a junior structurer on Lehman Brothers’ trading desk. She received her J.D. from University of Pittsburgh and her LL.M in Taxation from New York University. Jenny joined the tax insurance industry in 2020 as an insurance broker and led the tax insurance practice at Atlantic Global Risk, joining Ryan Transactional Risk in 2023.
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Ben Yoshia
Analyst
Ben graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Finance. He previously graduated Magna Cum Laude when earning his Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Philosophy and Communications Studies, and minoring in Business Law. Throughout his academic career, he has earned graduate certificates in Risk Management & Insurance, Professional & Technical Writing, and Ethics, Law & Society studies. Ben joined Ryan Transactional Risk in November 2021.