AmTrust Financial Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

AmTrust Financial has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, financial oversight, operations, nonprofit insurance, underwriting, specialty workers compensation, special risk, legal affairs, and corporate management.

Focused on delivering specialized insurance solutions, AmTrust Financial maintains a commitment to underwriting excellence and risk management for small and middle-market businesses across global markets.

Leadership Roles at AmTrust Financial

  • Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer - Barry Zyskind
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Daniel Pacicco
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Chris Longo
  • President, AmTrust Nonprofit Insurance - James Scardino
  • President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer - Elissa Pacheco
  • President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation - Robert Purdy
  • President, Special Risk - Bruce Saulnier
  • President - Adam Karkowsky
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Bruce Shuman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - David Saks
  • Barry Zyskind - Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer

    Barry Zyskind, the Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs the overarching strategic vision and long-term growth trajectory of the organization. Overseeing the expansion of property and casualty insurance portfolios, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between corporate objectives and market demands. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board while driving profitability across the Small Commercial Business and Specialty Risk segments. By prioritizing disciplined underwriting and operational efficiency, Zyskind maintains the competitive edge of the firm within the international insurance landscape. The Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation, enabling the company to adapt to evolving risk profiles in the automotive and consumer goods sectors. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and strategic partnerships, the executive secures the financial stability of the enterprise while expanding the global footprint of the organization.
    Barry Zyskind

    Daniel Pacicco - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Daniel Pacicco, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at AmTrust Financial, manages the fiscal health and capital structure of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, treasury operations, and investment strategies, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the integrity of the balance sheet while supporting the underwriting activities of the firm. This leadership role involves providing critical data to the Board to facilitate informed decision-making regarding reinsurance services and specialty risk portfolios. By optimizing cost structures and enhancing operational efficiency, Pacicco supports the sustainable growth of the company. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer monitors the financial performance of the Small Commercial Business and Specialty Program segments to ensure alignment with corporate targets. Through rigorous risk assessment and financial planning, the executive safeguards the assets of the firm, enabling the organization to maintain a strong position in the competitive property and casualty insurance market.
    Daniel Pacicco

    Chris Longo - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Chris Longo, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs the internal processes and operational infrastructure that support the delivery of insurance products. Overseeing the integration of claims handling and call center services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless execution for the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment. This leadership role involves streamlining workflows to improve service delivery for consumer and commercial goods coverage. By implementing scalable technology solutions, Longo enhances the responsiveness of the organization to client needs. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer coordinates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that operational capacity matches the growth objectives of the firm. Through the optimization of administrative functions and third-party management, the executive drives efficiency across all business units, ensuring that the company maintains high standards of service quality while managing the complexities of international insurance operations.

    James Scardino - President, AmTrust Nonprofit Insurance

    James Scardino, the President, AmTrust Nonprofit Insurance at AmTrust Financial, leads the specialized division dedicated to providing insurance solutions for the nonprofit sector. Overseeing the development of tailored coverage options, the President ensures that organizations with unique risk profiles receive comprehensive protection. This leadership role involves building relationships with nonprofit entities to understand the specific challenges faced by these organizations. By focusing on the nuances of general liability and property coverage for the nonprofit market, Scardino drives the growth of this specialized segment. The President, AmTrust Nonprofit Insurance collaborates with underwriting teams to refine risk assessment models that reflect the realities of the sector. Through the delivery of customized insurance products, the executive supports the mission-driven work of clients, ensuring that the firm remains a trusted partner for nonprofits across the country while contributing to the overall success of the organization.

    Elissa Pacheco - President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer

    Elissa Pacheco, the President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer at AmTrust Financial, architects the underwriting standards and risk selection processes for the Southeast region. Overseeing the evaluation of commercial property and casualty risks, the Chief Underwriting Officer ensures that the portfolio remains profitable and aligned with corporate risk appetite. This leadership role involves mentoring underwriting teams and refining the criteria for workers compensation and general liability coverage. By monitoring regional market conditions, Pacheco identifies opportunities for growth while maintaining disciplined risk management. The President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer collaborates with the broader leadership team to implement consistent underwriting strategies across the organization. Through the application of deep industry expertise, the executive ensures that the firm provides competitive and sustainable insurance solutions to small and middle-market companies, effectively managing the risk profile of the Southeast region while supporting the national objectives of the company.
    Elissa Pacheco

    Robert Purdy - President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation

    Robert Purdy, the President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation at AmTrust Financial, directs the strategy and performance of the workers compensation division for middle-market clients. Overseeing the development of specialized insurance products, the President ensures that the firm addresses the complex liability needs of businesses in this segment. This leadership role involves analyzing loss data and market trends to refine pricing and coverage structures. By focusing on the specific requirements of middle-market companies, Purdy drives the expansion of the specialty workers compensation portfolio. The President, Middle Market Specialty Workers' Compensation collaborates with retail and wholesale agents to ensure that the products meet the evolving demands of the market. Through the implementation of effective risk management strategies, the executive supports the financial goals of the organization, ensuring that the firm maintains a strong competitive position while providing essential protection to businesses across the country.

    Bruce Saulnier - President, Special Risk

    Bruce Saulnier, the President, Special Risk at AmTrust Financial, manages the division focused on niche property and casualty risks, including accidental damage and payment protection plans. Overseeing the design of custom coverages for consumer and commercial goods, the President ensures that the firm provides innovative solutions for unique market needs. This leadership role involves managing the third-party administrator functions that provide claims handling and call center services to the automotive and consumer products industries. By leveraging deep expertise in specialty liability, Saulnier drives the growth of the Special Risk segment. The President, Special Risk coordinates with internal teams to ensure that the products remain relevant in a rapidly changing market. Through the delivery of high-value insurance and administrative services, the executive enhances the reputation of the firm as a leader in specialty risk management, contributing significantly to the overall revenue and market impact of the organization.

    Adam Karkowsky - President

    Adam Karkowsky, the President at AmTrust Financial, executes the strategic initiatives that drive the operational and financial performance of the firm. Overseeing the coordination between various business segments, the President ensures that the organization maintains a unified approach to market expansion and risk management. This leadership role involves working closely with the Chief Executive Officer to implement corporate policies and achieve long-term growth objectives. By fostering collaboration across departments, Karkowsky enhances the agility of the company in responding to market opportunities. The President monitors the performance of the Specialty Program and Small Commercial Business segments to ensure that the firm meets its profitability targets. Through the oversight of key business functions and the promotion of operational excellence, the executive supports the overall mission of the organization, ensuring that the company remains a dominant force in the property and casualty insurance industry while delivering value to stakeholders.
    Adam Karkowsky

    Bruce Shuman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Bruce Shuman, the Chief Marketing Officer at AmTrust Financial, architects the brand positioning and distribution strategies that connect insurance products with retail and wholesale agents. Overseeing the communication of value propositions for commercial package and workers compensation insurance, the Chief Marketing Officer drives market penetration across diverse business segments. This leadership role involves collaborating with third-party brokers and administrators to optimize the reach of specialty programs. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, Shuman enhances the visibility of the firm within the small and middle-market sectors. The Chief Marketing Officer executes targeted campaigns that highlight the expertise of the company in niche property and casualty risks. Through the development of robust distribution channels, the executive ensures that the organization remains the preferred partner for businesses seeking comprehensive coverage, ultimately strengthening the market presence of the firm in the United States and beyond.
    David Saks, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs the legal and regulatory affairs of the organization. Overseeing compliance with insurance laws and regulations across the United States and international jurisdictions, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the firm operates within the required legal frameworks. This leadership role involves managing litigation, contract negotiations, and corporate governance matters to protect the interests of the company. By providing strategic legal counsel to the Board and executive team, Saks facilitates the execution of business initiatives while mitigating legal risks. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer monitors changes in the regulatory environment to ensure that the organization remains proactive in its compliance efforts. Through the management of legal resources and external counsel, the executive safeguards the reputation and assets of the firm, enabling the company to pursue its growth strategies with confidence and integrity.
    David Saks

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AmTrust Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AmTrust Financial?
    AmTrust Financial is led by Barry Zyskind (Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Daniel Pacicco (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Chris Longo (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of AmTrust Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of AmTrust Financial includes leaders such as Barry Zyskind (Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer), Daniel Pacicco (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Chris Longo (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AmTrust Financial have?
    AmTrust Financial has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AmTrust Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AmTrust Financial includes roles such as Chairman of the board & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, AmTrust Nonprofit Insurance, President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer.