Distinguished Programs Enters Transactional Risk Market Under Leadership of Tim Dawe

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NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 19, 2026--

Distinguished Programs (“Distinguished”), a national insurance program manager and MGA, has launched a Transactional Risk program led by Tim Dawe, designed to address the complex exposures associated with mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”), including representations and warranties insurance (“RWI”) and tax liability insurance. The program is available nationwide and is now open for business.

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Tim Dawe leads Distinguished Programs’ new Transactional Risk program, delivering nationwide solutions for M&A exposures, including representations and warranties insurance (RWI) and tax liability insurance.

Distinguished has partnered with Starr, a global investment and insurance organization with an A.M. Best “A” rating, to bring this offering to market.

The program provides specialized coverage for buyers in M&A transactions, protecting against losses arising from breaches of warranties and indemnities in acquisition agreements, as well as taxpayers seeking insurance solutions in connection with well-supported tax positions.

The addition of Transactional Risk supports Distinguished’s broader expansion strategy. The company continues to expand its underwriting capabilities by recruiting experienced teams and supporting them through a “support with autonomy” philosophy, an approach designed to drive strong underwriting performance for carrier partners while delivering competitive solutions for brokers.

“Transactional Risk is a natural extension of our specialty portfolio,” said Jason Rotman, president of Distinguished. “The market is going through change right now and we would only launch this product if we had a first-class team and carrier partner. We believe we have exactly that in Tim and his colleagues, along with Starr as our valued partner in bringing this to market.”

Dawe brings extensive experience in M&A transactions and tax liability insurance and leads a team of five seasoned professionals, including veteran M&A attorneys and underwriters who have built leading platforms in representations and warranties and tax liability insurance. The RWI program will be led by Nate Ostrander, and the tax program will be led by Peter Griesch, each of whom have experience building and managing profitable transactional liability books. The team’s track record in developing customized solutions positions Distinguished as a key partner for brokers and attorneys navigating complex transactions.

“Every M&A transaction presents its own set of challenges, and clients need coverage that adapts to those nuances,” said Tim Dawe, president of Transactional Risk program. “Our team’s deep experience in both underwriting and dealside legal work positions us to deliver creative insurance solutions while executing on our insureds’ tight timelines. Distinguished gives us the tools and flexibility to deliver customized solutions that strengthen deal processes and outcomes.”

The Transactional Risk program launch follows Distinguished’s recent announcement of its Marine Cargo program, underscoring the company’s continued investment in expanding specialized underwriting capabilities across its portfolio.

About Distinguished Programs

Distinguished Programs is a leading national MGA and program manager for specialty property & casualty insurance. The company places insurance in niche sectors such as commercial real estate, hotels & restaurants, community associations, environmental & construction professional, marine cargo, cyber, surety, executive lines, inland marine, and fine arts & collectibles. On behalf of its insurance carrier partners, Distinguished typically manages all aspects of the placement process, including product development, marketing, underwriting, policy issuance, and claims. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1995, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees. www.distinguished.com

About Starr

Starr is a leading global investment and insurance organization with a presence on six continents. Through its operating insurance companies, Starr provides property, casualty, and accident and health insurance products, as well as a range of specialty coverages, including aviation, marine, energy, and excess casualty insurance. Starr's insurance company subsidiaries domiciled in the U.S., Bermuda, China, Hong Kong, Malta, Singapore, Switzerland, and the U.K. each have an A.M. Best rating of "A" (Excellent). Starr's Lloyd's syndicate has a Standard & Poor's rating of "A+" (Strong). Starr is the marketing name for the investment business of C. V. Starr & Co., Inc. and the insurance and travel assistance companies of Starr International Company, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Click here to learn more: https://starr.com/

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CONTACT: Media:

Ritchie Vener

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KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES INSURANCE

SOURCE: Distinguished Programs

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PUB: 02/19/2026 12:00 PM/DISC: 02/19/2026 12:00 PM

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