View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southcentral/2021/01/25/598727.htm

Insurance Industry Veterans Launch Upland Capital Group in Dallas

Upland Capital Group (Upland), a Dallas-based specialty insurance business led by long-time insurance and investment executives has opened for business.

Upland is funded through an equity investment of up to $200 million from Newlight Partners LP (Newlight), a growth equity investor, and an additional investment from the company’s executive management team.

Upland plans to offer a diversified portfolio of excess and surplus lines (E&S) casualty, property, and specialty insurance products, with an initial focus on excess casualty products distributed through select wholesale brokers.

Upland’s team includes seasoned underwriters and functional experts with an entrepreneurial spirit and healthy respect for teamwork. Embedded in the company’s core values is a deep focus on transparency, efficiency and excellent customer service.

The initial capital raise will fund the company’s immediate build-out and organic growth plans.

Upland’s executive leadership team includes:

• Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Todd C. Hart: Hart has spent more than three decades in financial services, serving most recently as the CEO of Rhode Island-based Narraganset Bay Insurance Company.
• James A. Damonte, president of Insurance Operations and chief underwriting officer: Damonte is a 20-year veteran specialty insurance underwriter and has spent the bulk of his career in executive leadership roles at Hallmark Financial Services and several other companies.
• Mark J. Morrison, executive vice president and chief financial officer: Morrison brings over thirty-five years of industry experience, including 14 years as the president and chief executive officer of specialty insurance carriers Hallmark Financial Services and Associates Insurance Company.
• Pamela Byron-Button, senior vice president and chief administrative officer: Byron-Button is 30-year insurance industry veteran and most recently served as vice president of Service Operations at Narragansett Bay Insurance Company.

Newlight Partners LP is a growth equity firm focused on building businesses in partnership with founders and exceptional management teams.

Source: Upland Capital Group