Industry Leader Peter Hearn To Join Board Of Directors; Jim Hays To Retire After Distinguished Service

Rhea-AI Summary

Skyward Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) nominated industry leader Peter Hearn to its Board of Directors, succeeding long-serving director Jim Hays who will retire later in 2026. Mr. Hearn brings nearly 40 years of senior reinsurance and executive leadership.

The appointment is effective August 1, 2026 and marks the sixth independent director added to the board in the past three years, underscoring the company’s emphasis on corporate governance as it integrates Skyward Specialty and Apollo.

Positive

• Adds ~40 years of reinsurance and executive leadership experience
• Appointment effective August 1, 2026
• Marks the 6th independent director added in three years, strengthening governance

Negative

• Loss of longtime director Jim Hays after nearly two decades
• Continued board turnover: six additions in three years may affect continuity

News Market Reaction – SKWD

-1.40%

-1.40% Session close to close

In the Apr 1 session, SKWD declined 1.40%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google

Add on Google Not now

HOUSTON, April 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyward Group (Nasdaq: SKWD) (“the Group” or “the Company”), the unified specialty insurance organization whose operating businesses include Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc.® (“Skyward Specialty”) and Apollo Group Holding, Ltd. (“Apollo”), is pleased to announce the nomination of Peter Hearn as new independent director to its Board of Directors. Mr. Hearn will succeed Jim Hays, who will retire from the Board later this year following nearly two decades of dedicated service.

Mr. Hearn brings nearly 40 years of elite senior leadership and distinguished reinsurance experience to the Skyward Group board. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC. His distinguished career also includes more than two decades at Willis Re, where he held several executive positions, including Global CEO from 2005 to 2011 and Global Chairman from 2011 to 2015.

Mr. Hays has played a foundational role in the evolution and long-term success of the organization. During his tenure, he provided steady leadership and strategic guidance through multiple phases of the Company’s journey.

“We are excited to welcome a leader of Peter’s caliber to join the Skyward Group board,” said Skyward Group Chairman & CEO Andrew Robinson. “Peter’s track record of driving strategic growth across diversified international platforms strengthens our ability to unlock the full value of the Skyward Specialty/Apollo combination. His global expertise will be critical as we continue to scale both our specialty business platforms.”

Robinson added, "Jim Hays has been an extraordinarily supportive and constructive Board member. His contribution to the success of Skyward has been immense and will be felt for years to come. We thank Jim for his service, friendship, expertise, and guidance and wish him the very best.”

The appointment of Mr. Hearn reflects Skyward Group’s ongoing commitment to industry best practices in corporate governance. Mr. Hearn will join the board effective August 1, 2026, and will be the sixth independent director added to the board in the past three years.

About Skyward Group
Skyward Group is the holding company brand for its U.S. and Lloyds businesses, Skyward Specialty and Apollo, respectively, delivering a comprehensive suite of specialized insurance solutions across global specialty property and casualty markets. Focused on the specialty industry’s most niche, complex risks of today and the emerging challenges of tomorrow, Skyward Group leverages the forward-looking insight and disciplined execution of each organization to drive sustainable growth and long-term value for its shareholders, distribution partners, and other stakeholders. For more information about Skyward Group, Skyward Specialty, and Apollo, please visit skywardgroup.com.

Media Contact
Haley Doughty
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
713-935-4944
hdoughty@skywardinsurance.com

Investor Contact
Kevin Reed
Skyward Specialty Insurance Group
713-206-7860
kreed@skywardinsurance.com

FAQ

Who is Peter Hearn and why did Skyward Group (SKWD) nominate him to the board on April 1, 2026?

Peter Hearn is a senior reinsurance executive with nearly 40 years of experience. According to the company, his roles include CEO of Guy Carpenter and senior leadership at Willis Re, chosen to support strategic growth across Skyward Specialty and Apollo.

When does Peter Hearn officially join the Skyward Group (SKWD) board and what is the effective date?

Peter Hearn will join the board effective August 1, 2026. According to the company, his appointment follows a planned succession and will replace retiring director Jim Hays later in 2026.

What will Jim Hays’ retirement mean for Skyward Group (SKWD) shareholders and the board?

Jim Hays will retire after nearly two decades of service, removing a long-tenured director. According to the company, his departure represents a loss of institutional experience balanced by the board’s recent additions.

How does the Peter Hearn appointment affect Skyward Group’s (SKWD) corporate governance profile?

The appointment increases independent oversight and expertise on the board. According to the company, Mr. Hearn is the sixth independent director added in three years, reflecting a governance-focused refresh during integration efforts.

Does the Skyward Group (SKWD) announcement on April 1, 2026 include financial impacts or changes to strategy?

No specific financial impacts or numerical guidance were provided in the announcement. According to the company, the move is framed as a governance and expertise enhancement to support strategic growth initiatives.