Bridge Specialty Group Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Bridge Specialty Group has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, property and casualty insurance, regional market management, and specialty lines underwriting.

Focused on delivering independent insurance solutions, Bridge Specialty Group prioritizes client needs through a commitment to personal service and specialized market access across global territories.

Leadership Roles at Bridge Specialty Group

  • Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty - John Vedder
  • Regional President, Northeast - Thomas Rhodes
  • Regional President, Mid-Atlantic - Jason Haupt
  • Regional President, Southeast - David O'Keeffe
  • Regional President, Specialty Lines - Karl Snearer
  • Chief Information Officer - Steven Emmons
  • John Vedder - Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty

    John Vedder, the Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty at Bridge Specialty Group, manages the strategic deployment of property and casualty insurance products across diverse market segments. Overseeing the underwriting teams, the Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty ensures that complex risk profiles receive tailored coverage solutions. This leadership role involves coordinating with global insurance markets to secure capacity for clients operating in over 70 countries. By analyzing emerging market trends, John Vedder drives the development of specialized insurance offerings that address unique client requirements. Furthermore, the Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty maintains strong relationships with underwriters to facilitate efficient policy placement. Through rigorous risk assessment and market analysis, Vedder supports the firm's commitment to independent, client-focused service. This operational focus ensures that property and casualty portfolios remain profitable while delivering the high-touch, personalized attention that defines the company's reputation in the global insurance industry.

    Thomas Rhodes - Regional President, Northeast

    Thomas Rhodes, the Regional President, Northeast at Bridge Specialty Group, directs all insurance brokerage activities and client acquisition strategies throughout the Northeastern United States. Overseeing regional operations, the Regional President, Northeast ensures that local brokers and clients gain direct access to premier London-based insurance capacity. This leadership role involves expanding the firm's footprint by identifying niche market opportunities and fostering long-term partnerships with regional underwriters. By implementing localized service models, Thomas Rhodes drives growth and maintains the high standards of personal service expected from an independent, employee-owned business. Furthermore, the Regional President, Northeast collaborates with other regional leaders to share best practices and optimize resource allocation across the broader organization. Through consistent market engagement and strategic oversight, Rhodes strengthens the company's competitive position, ensuring that the Northeast region remains a vital contributor to the firm's global success in the insurance and reinsurance sectors.

    Jason Haupt - Regional President, Mid-Atlantic

    Jason Haupt, the Regional President, Mid-Atlantic at Bridge Specialty Group, manages the delivery of specialized insurance and reinsurance solutions across the Mid-Atlantic region. Overseeing regional business development, the Regional President, Mid-Atlantic ensures that clients receive expert guidance on complex risk management and insurance capacity needs. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with local underwriters and brokers to enhance the firm's market presence. By streamlining the placement process, Jason Haupt drives operational efficiency and improves client satisfaction levels. Furthermore, the Regional President, Mid-Atlantic monitors regional economic shifts to adjust service strategies, ensuring that the company remains responsive to changing market conditions. Through proactive leadership and a focus on independent, employee-owned values, Haupt secures the firm's reputation for excellence. This commitment to personalized service allows the Mid-Atlantic team to effectively bridge the gap between local client needs and the vast resources of the global insurance market.

    David O'Keeffe - Regional President, Southeast

    David O'Keeffe, the Regional President, Southeast at Bridge Specialty Group, directs the expansion and management of insurance brokerage services throughout the Southeastern United States. Overseeing regional client portfolios, the Regional President, Southeast ensures that businesses access specialized underwriting capacity tailored to specific industry risks. This leadership role involves coordinating with the firm's global network to provide comprehensive reinsurance solutions for regional clients. By fostering a culture of personal service and professional excellence, David O'Keeffe drives client retention and attracts new business opportunities within the region. Furthermore, the Regional President, Southeast collaborates with the executive team to align regional goals with the company's overarching mission of independent, employee-owned success. Through strategic market analysis and a focus on high-quality service delivery, O'Keeffe strengthens the firm's influence in the Southeast, ensuring that clients benefit from the company's unique position at the heart of the world's premier insurance markets.

    Karl Snearer - Regional President, Specialty Lines

    Karl Snearer, the Regional President, Specialty Lines at Bridge Specialty Group, manages the development and placement of complex, non-standard insurance products across global markets. Overseeing the specialty underwriting division, the Regional President, Specialty Lines ensures that unique risks receive precise coverage through access to premier insurance capacity. This leadership role involves identifying emerging specialty niches and building relationships with underwriters capable of handling high-complexity placements. By leveraging deep industry expertise, Karl Snearer drives the creation of innovative insurance solutions that distinguish the firm from traditional brokers. Furthermore, the Regional President, Specialty Lines works closely with other regional leaders to integrate specialty offerings into broader client service strategies. Through meticulous risk evaluation and a commitment to personalized service, Snearer supports the company's mission of providing unparalleled access to global insurance markets. This focus on specialty lines ensures that the firm remains a leader in addressing the most challenging risk management requirements.

    Steven Emmons - Chief Information Officer

    Steven Emmons, the Chief Information Officer at Bridge Specialty Group, directs the digital infrastructure and data security frameworks essential for independent insurance brokerage operations. Overseeing the integration of advanced underwriting platforms, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity between specialist underwriters and global clients. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions that support the firm's 1977-founded legacy while modernizing technical capabilities for current market demands. By optimizing internal data workflows, Steven Emmons directly impacts the efficiency of reinsurance transactions across international borders. Furthermore, the Chief Information Officer maintains robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive client information within the competitive London-based insurance ecosystem. Through continuous technological innovation, Emmons secures the firm's operational resilience, ensuring that digital tools remain aligned with the broader mission of providing superior, personalized insurance capacity to a diverse, worldwide client base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Bridge Specialty Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Bridge Specialty Group?
    Bridge Specialty Group is led by John Vedder (Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty), along with executives such as Thomas Rhodes (Regional President, Northeast) and Jason Haupt (Regional President, Mid-Atlantic).
    Who is part of Bridge Specialty Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Bridge Specialty Group includes leaders such as John Vedder (Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty), Thomas Rhodes (Regional President, Northeast), Jason Haupt (Regional President, Mid-Atlantic) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Bridge Specialty Group have?
    Bridge Specialty Group has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Bridge Specialty Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Bridge Specialty Group includes roles such as Regional President, Bsib Property & Casualty, Regional President, Northeast, Regional President, Mid-Atlantic, Regional President, Southeast, Regional President, Specialty Lines.