Hamilton appoints Dymphna Lehane and Karen Forte to lead specialty platforms

Hamilton Insurance Group has appointed industry veterans Dymphna (Dee) Lehane and Karen Forte as board chairs to support the continued development of its global specialty underwriting platform.

Lehane will become chair of Hamilton Managing Agency (HMA) in the UK and independent non-executive director of Hamilton Insurance Designated Activity Company (HIDAC) in Ireland, from November 1, 2025.

Forte will become chair of HIDAC from January 1, 2026, while retaining her role as chair of HMA’s audit committee, both appointments pending regulatory approval.

They succeed Peter Haynes, who will retire on December 31, 2025, after chairing HMA since 2015 and HIDAC since 2020.

Lehane brings 35 years of digital strategy and governance expertise, having served as global managing partner for insurance at Accenture and held board positions at Aviva, Argo International, Westfield Specialty, and the UK Cabinet Office.

Forte, currently an independent non-executive director on both Hamilton boards, previously served as CIO and transformation lead at Allianz Ireland.

Alex Baker, CEO of Hamilton Global Specialty, said: “Welcoming Dee and Karen to their new roles marks an important step in Hamilton’s journey. Their expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to achieve our strategic goals, operate to the highest standard of governance and maintain our excellent culture within our insurance companies.

“I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Peter for his decade of service and significant contributions to our success. He has been an integral part of Hamilton Global Specialty’s transformation throughout his tenure, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside him on that journey.”

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