Bret Hilgart

Overview

Bret Hilgart holds the position of Chief Underwriting Officer of Professional Liability at Bowhead Specialty[1][2]. Hilgart also serves as Head of Commercial D&O at Bowhead Specialty[3]. Prior to these roles, Hilgart worked as Managing Director of Executive Liability for Financial Institutions at Markel from July 2011 to October 2020[5]. Earlier positions included Vice President at Ironshore Insurance Services, LLC[6] and Vice President at Arch Insurance Group[7]. Hilgart began their insurance career as Senior Underwriter at CNA Financial Corp from February 2000 to December 2002[8]. Additionally, Hilgart has served as Co-Founder and Treasurer of A House In Austin since January 2016[4]. Hilgart holds a BS in Finance with a Financial Institutions Specialization from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, earned between 1995 and 1999[9].

Career history

1. Chief Underwriting Officer of Professional LiabilityJun 2026 to presentBowhead Specialty
2. Head of Commercial D&OOct 2020 to presentBowhead Specialty
3. AHCo-Founder & TreasurerJan 2016 to presentA House In Austin
4. MManaging Director - Executive Liability - Financial InstitutionsJul 2011 to Oct 2020Markel
5. IIVice PresidentNov 2010 to Jul 2011Ironshore Insurance Services, LLC
6. AIVice PresidentDec 2002 to Nov 2010Arch Insurance Group
7. CFSenior UnderwriterFeb 2000 to Dec 2002CNA Financial Corp

Education

1. FIBS, Finance1995 - 1999Financial Institutions Specialization·at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale