Brendan Keating and Mark Farina to Co-lead Argo Surety

Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO), an underwriter of specialty insurance, announced Brendan Keating and Mark Farina have been appointed to co-lead Argo Surety, effective immediately. Keating and Farina will report to Gary Grose, president of Commercial Specialty.

“As chief operations officer for Surety, Brendan has demonstrated his leadership abilities and deep understanding of the business,” said Grose. “He is the driving force behind many of the team’s growth initiatives, and we are certain he will continue this momentum.

“Mark helped establish this business, and as chief underwriting officer, he provides the leadership required to ensure our clients receive competitive rates, quick responses, and a thoughtful underwriting approach to serve each unique surety need.”

Keating got his start in the surety business working in several underwriting roles at Zurich before joining Argo 10 years ago. During his time at Argo, he has progressively advanced through several underwriting and leadership roles. He has Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration degrees from Saint Bonaventure University.

With more than 35 years in the surety business, Farina joined Argo Group in 2008 initially as vice president and then promoted to chief underwriting officer for Argo Surety. Prior to that Farina served in numerous roles at Travelers Insurance and Chubb. He has a Bachelor of Arts from Ithaca College.

Josh Betz formerly led Argo Surety, and will be leaving the Company.