Launch Underwriters as adds Sparks as CEO joining Matson as executive chairman

By David Bull

May 12 - (The Insurer) - Former MS Transverse duo Dennis Sparks and Erik Matson have reunited as CEO and executive chairman respectively at Launch Underwriters, which describes itself as a “next-generation” MGA platform.

Sparks officially started in the position on May 5.

According to a statement confirming the move, Launch Underwriters is a “modern” program administrator with direct access to A+ rated carriers and leading reinsurers.

It said it is “purpose-built for entrepreneurial underwriters” and enables “best-in-class” underwriting teams to launch, manage and grow high-performing insurance programs across commercial and personal lines.

“Launch combines a centralised, data-driven technology infrastructure with seamless operational support, eliminating the inefficiencies of legacy systems,” the statement continued.

Matson co-founded hybrid fronting carrier Transverse as chairman and CEO. He most recently served as CEO of MS Transverse, as the company has been known since its acquisition by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance at the start of 2023.

He left that role in the last year as he handed the leadership reins to his co-founder of Transverse, David Paulsson.

Sparks was most recently executive vice president and chief underwriting officer at MS Transverse Insurance Group.

He has had a 34-year career in the P&C sector, holding a range of positions including chief underwriting officer, chief actuary, chief financial officer and head of ceded reinsurance across companies such as Catlin, PMA and USI Insurance Holdings after starting out at USF&G.

“This platform is uniquely positioned to support underwriting excellence with its nimble infrastructure, strong capital and insurance industry relationships, and entrepreneurial culture. I look forward to building on its momentum,” said Sparks.

Matson added: “Dennis and I share a common vision for building high-performance underwriting platforms. His proven ability to drive profitable underwriting, combined with a deep understanding of risk and reinsurance, makes him the ideal choice to lead Launch into the next stage of its lifecycle.”

The statement said that Launch Underwriters is set to expand its footprint in the broader MGA platform space, as well as outside of the U.S. to the London market and European Union.

“These strategic actions are designed to further support its mission to deliver innovative and profitable insurance programs in partnership with elite underwriting talent and capacity providers,” the statement concluded.