Kingsway Search Xcelerator Announces New OIR Colter Hanson

Rhea-AI Summary

Kingsway Financial Services (NYSE:KFS) announced on October 21, 2025 that Colter Hanson joined as an Operator-in-Residence in the Kingsway Search Xcelerator segment (KSX).

Hanson will search for an acquisition focused on Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) companies in the Midwest, operating from Minneapolis, MN. His background includes work as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, a mechanical engineering degree from the United States Naval Academy, service as a nuclear submarine officer, Pentagon operations support, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS / ACCESS Newswire / October 21, 2025 / (NYSE:KFS) Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway" or the "Company"), the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses, today announced that Colter Hanson has joined as the Company's newest Operator-in-Residence within the Kingsway Search Xcelerator Segment ("KSX").

"I am pleased to welcome Colter Hanson as the newest member of our KSX platform," said J.T. Fitzgerald, Kingsway's President and CEO. "Colter has proven himself in high-performance environments and embodies the character, drive, and discipline we look for in our KSX operators. The Kingsway team is thrilled to have him on board."

Prior to Kingsway, Mr. Hanson served as an Engagement Manager for McKinsey & Company where he focused on operational excellence and value creation for clients in the manufacturing and power generation verticals. He will conduct his search out of Minneapolis, MN, and intends to seek an acquisition related to Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) with a target geography of the Midwest.

Mr. Hanson is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Hanson subsequently served in the United States Navy as a nuclear submarine officer. He spent the final two years of his military service at the Pentagon, supporting the United States Navy's Director of Operations and Plans. In 2020, Mr. Hanson transitioned from the military to earn his MBA at Harvard Business School.

About the Company

Kingsway Financial Services Inc. ("Kingsway") (NYSE:KFS) is the only publicly-traded US company employing the Search Fund model to acquire and build great businesses.

Kingsway owns and operates a collection of high-quality B2B and B2C services companies that are asset-light, growing, profitable, and that have recurring revenues. Kingsway seeks to compound long-term shareholder value on a per share basis via its decentralized management model, its talented team of operators, and its tax-advantaged corporate structure.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are not historical facts and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected and projected. Words such as "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "seeks," and variations and similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements; however, the absence of any such words does not mean that a statement is a not a forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, but reflect Kingsway management's current beliefs, based on information currently available. A number of factors could cause actual events, performance, or results to differ materially from the events, performance, and results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Additional Information

Additional information about Kingsway, including a copy of its Annual Reports, can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com, or through the Company's website at www.kingsway-financial.com.

For Media Inquiries:
Hayden IR
James Carbonara
(646) 755-7412
james@haydenir.com

For Company Inquiries:
Kingsway Financial Services Inc.
Kent Hansen, CFO
(312) 766-2163
khansen@kingsway-financial.com

SOURCE: Kingsway Financial Services, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

Who is Colter Hanson and what role did he take at Kingsway (KFS) on October 21, 2025?

Colter Hanson joined Kingsway (NYSE:KFS) as an Operator-in-Residence within the Kingsway Search Xcelerator on October 21, 2025.

What acquisition sectors and geography will Colter Hanson target for Kingsway (KFS)?

He intends to pursue an acquisition in Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) with a target geography of the Midwest.

Where will Colter Hanson be based while conducting his search for Kingsway (KFS)?

Colter Hanson will conduct his search out of Minneapolis, MN.

What relevant experience does Colter Hanson bring to his role at Kingsway (KFS)?

Hanson previously worked as an Engagement Manager at McKinsey, served as a nuclear submarine officer, worked at the Pentagon, holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the US Naval Academy, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Does Kingsway (KFS) expect immediate financial impact from hiring Colter Hanson?

The announcement describes Hanson’s role and search focus but does not state any immediate financial metrics or guidance.

How does the Kingsway Search Xcelerator (KSX) framework work for hires like Colter Hanson at KFS?

The KSX platform places Operators-in-Residence to source and pursue acquisitions; Hanson joins KSX to identify a TIC target in the Midwest on behalf of Kingsway.