Origin Specialty names Acosta president after Djordjevic exit, hires CNA’s Schardt

By Chris Munro

May 5 - (The Insurer) - Beyond Risk’s Origin Specialty has appointed Charlie Acosta as president following Neno Djordjevic’s departure from the business, while the MGA has also brought in Matthew Schardt from CNA as its new head of casualty.

Acosta has stepped up to president having previously served the Rolling Meadows, Illinois-based MGA as executive vice president and head of underwriting.

He has over two decades of industry experience. Before joining Origin Specialty in 2023, Acosta held leadership positions at StrongArm Tech and AIG.

During his career, Acosta has garnered experience underwriting large account primary casualty lines and complex structures such as large deductibles, qualified self-insured programs, fronts, captives, and structured programs.

While an Origin Specialty spokesperson confirmed Djordjevic had left the company, it is unclear what his next move is.

“Since 2018, Origin Specialty has established itself as a trusted market leader, expanded its product offerings, and built strong relationships with our wholesale partners,” said Blake Wakefield, Beyond Risk’s CEO.

“As we look to the future, we are excited to have Charlie Acosta step into the role of president.

“Charlie’s proven track record in the insurance industry, deep understanding of complex risk structures, and strategic vision make him the perfect leader to build upon our strong foundation.

“His extensive leadership experience and ability to deliver results will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our offerings and strengthen our position in the excess and surplus market,” Wakefield added.

Along with Acosta’s promotion to president, Origin Specialty has recruited Schardt as head of casualty.

Schardt has over 20 years of industry experience working in both retail and wholesale excess casualty markets on energy, construction and national accounts.

He most recently spent almost three years at CNA, latterly as vice president of underwriting, while Schardt’s career also includes 16 years at AIG where he held positions including zonal casualty manager, where he led a middle market primary casualty underwriting team.

Acosta and Schardt will work alongside head of property Daniel Rossen, a trio the MGA described as “a formidable executive team positioned to lead Origin Specialty into its next phase of growth”.

Origin Specialty partners exclusively with A-minus or above rated carriers and reinsurers who support a suite of restaurant, hospitality, construction, workers' compensation, property and captives coverages.