Dual North America Appointed New Earthquake Lead
The firm has named an internal successor to manage its specialized earthquake and catastrophic risk insurance programs.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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Dual North America has named Stephanie Calmeyn as the next head of earthquake, succeeding long-time leader Ian Fitt. The transition will take effect at the start of 2027 as the firm continues to manage its specialized insurance programs.
Why it matters
Succession at specialized underwriting firms impacts brokers and policyholders who rely on continuity for high-limit catastrophic coverage. Calmeyn inherits a portfolio that has evolved significantly through previous acquisitions and market consolidation.
The firm offers maximum coverage limits of $100 million for select earthquake risks, a program that has been managed by the outgoing lead since 1998. The business unit was expanded following the 2021 acquisition of Align Financial Holdings.
The players
Stephanie Calmeyn
Incoming head of earthquake at Dual North America who currently serves as a senior vice president and capacity manager.
Ian Fitt
The outgoing leader of the earthquake business who has managed the unit since 1998.
Dual North America
A specialty insurance underwriting agency that provides capacity for high-risk coverage programs.
The details
Calmeyn, currently serving as senior vice president and capacity manager, will assume the leadership role on January 1, 2027. She will oversee the earthquake program, which provides primary, layered, or excess coverage for earthquake and earth movement on a non-admitted basis. This unit also manages secondary offerings like sprinkler leakage and specific flood coverage in California, Washington, and Oregon.
Timeline
Ian Fitt began leading the earthquake business in 1998.
Dual acquired Align Financial Holdings in 2021.
Stephanie Calmeyn was named head of earthquake on October 7, 2026.
Ian Fitt will retire on December 31, 2026.
Stephanie Calmeyn will assume her new role on January 1, 2027.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the structural integration of the earthquake unit established during the 2021 acquisition of Align Financial Holdings. The appointment marks the first change in oversight for this specific business line in nearly three decades.
Operators currently holding policies or utilizing the firm's non-admitted coverage should ensure they have updated contact information for the 2027 transition. Clients should review their upcoming renewals with their brokers to confirm that current program parameters remain consistent under new leadership.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at specialized underwriting firms signal a prime time for policyholders to reassess coverage terms and capacity needs. Monitor internal policy renewals as the transition approaches to ensure your risk exposure aligns with the firm's evolving strategy.
What happens next
Ian Fitt will conclude his tenure as head of earthquake on December 31, 2026, with Stephanie Calmeyn assuming the role on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on industry personnel shifts, browse our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Business Insurance.
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