Vice President, Private Equity Distribution

Job description

Join Starr, a global leader in commercial insurance with over a century of expertise. We empower our employees to innovate, make impactful decisions, and build lasting client relationships worldwide. At Starr, you'll work in an entrepreneurial culture alongside accessible leaders, leveraging our financial strength and vast industry experience to deliver solutions for our clients, no matter how complex. Grow your career with a rapidly growing company that invests in its people and their ability to drive real progress. Position Summary The Vice President, Private Equity Distribution is a market-facing distribution and business development leader responsible for building direct Private Equity sponsor relationships and translating those relationships into commercial P&C opportunities. The role is designed for a senior individual contributor or early enterprise leader who can create access, coordinate internally, and drive measurable pipeline without requiring broad organizational management responsibility. This VP will leverage an existing sponsor and advisor network to engage Private Equity firms, portfolio company executives, and dedicated PE brokerage teams. The role will focus on early access to opportunities, relationship-led origination, and disciplined execution across the investment lifecycle, including platform acquisitions, add-on acquisitions, and existing portfolio company renewals. Key Responsibilities 1. Sponsor Relationship Development Develop and maintain direct relationships with Private Equity sponsors, operating partners, investor relations leaders, corporate development professionals, CFOs, risk managers, and portfolio company leadership teams. Use existing sponsor relationships to create warm introductions, identify portfolio company insurance needs, and establish the company as a credible P&C resource for PE-backed businesses. Maintain a prioritized sponsor target list and relationship map, including key contacts, portfolio relevance, sector focus, and near-term opportunity potential. 2. PE Opportunity Origination & Pipeline Management Originate and manage a measurable pipeline of PE-sourced commercial P&C opportunities tied to platform acquisitions, add-on acquisitions, renewals, and portfolio company growth events. Engage early in the deal or renewal lifecycle to identify insurance needs, influence placement strategy, and connect actionable opportunities to the right internal resources. Track opportunity source, sponsor relationship, broker/advisor involvement, target premium, timing, conversion status, and reasons for win/loss outcomes. 3. Broker, Advisor & Transaction Channel Engagement Build productive relationships with brokerage firms and advisors that have dedicated Private Equity practices and influence insurance due diligence, placement, and portfolio servicing. Coordinate sponsor strategy with PE-focused broker teams to improve submission flow, reduce friction, and identify opportunities where the company’s appetite and service model are most competitive. Represent the company externally in sponsor, broker, and advisor discussions with a clear understanding of appetite, product availability, underwriting process, and service expectations. 4. Internal Coordination & Execution Serve as the internal point person for PE-sourced distribution opportunities, coordinating with underwriting, product, claims, actuarial, risk control, legal/compliance, and field distribution teams as needed. Prepare concise opportunity briefs that summarize sponsor context, portfolio company profile, broker/advisor involvement, coverage needs, timing, and recommended next steps. Collaborate with underwriting leaders to triage opportunities based on appetite fit, expected profitability, complexity, timing, and resource requirements. 5. Market Intelligence & Feedback Loop Provide regular insight into PE investment themes, sector activity, broker/advisor behavior, portfolio company concerns, and recurring product or process gaps. Identify common friction points in the PE placement process and recommend practical improvements to appetite communication, submission intake, response times, and service delivery. Support development of a credible PE market narrative by contributing sponsor insights, examples of portfolio needs, and competitive observations. Candidate Profile 10 to 12+ years of experience in Private Equity, commercial P&C insurance distribution, insurance brokerage, transaction advisory, corporate development, investor relations, or relationship-led business development. Strongly preferred: experience working within or directly with Private Equity sponsors, portfolio companies, operating partners, investor relations teams, or corporate development teams. Alternative experience: carrier or broker professional from a mature Private Equity insurance practice with demonstrated sponsor, advisor, and portfolio company credibility. Working knowledge of commercial P&C insurance products, including property, casualty, package, umbrella/excess, auto, workers compensation, management liability, professional liability, cyber, or related lines. Demonstrated ability to create access through senior relationships, qualify opportunities, coordinate internally, and move opportunities toward execution. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise opportunity summaries and represent the company professionally in senior forums. For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York, Starr Insurance Companies is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets: experience and training: licensure and certifications: and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $254,000-$320,000 Starr is an equal opportunity employer, which means we'll consider all suitably qualified applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or beliefs, age, sexual orientation, disability status or any other protected characteristic. We recruit and develop our people based on merit and we're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We offer first class training and development opportunities to all employees. Our aim is to grow our own talent and bring out the best in people.