As Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions welcomes Tony Beal, its new Chief Distribution Officer for the U.S., we sat down with him for a candid conversation about his early impressions, and what distribution partners can expect.

A: What struck me immediately is how truly specialized this business is. Specialization isn’t just a line we use in the market; it's how Intact shows up every day. We’re built around niche, complex segments where expertise actually makes a difference, and that creates a very different dynamic with our partners. 

And because we’re uniquely focused on a specialized product or industry, I’ve found it gives us a huge advantage: we meet our distribution partners with a broad set of solutions backed by deep expertise. Our partners don’t have to guess whether we understand customer needs. That’s why they bring us complex, nuanced risks – they know we’ll match them with our specialized experts who know exactly how to approach and deliver for the customer.   

That’s a powerful way to go to market. And as someone new to the organization, it’s refreshing to see that level of clarity and purpose baked into how we operate.

A: Scale and consistency. Intact is a global company with a track record of performance, including delivering a sub-90 combined ratio. There are not many insurers who can say that, especially across different market cycles. Part of that comes from being in lines where underwriting judgment really matters. Specialty gives you more control over exposure, more ability to be thoughtful, and more room to say yes to complexity. This is something I believe differentiates us in the eyes of our partners. 

With that, I’d say the biggest standout is the foundation on which Intact was built.  Charles Brindamour, Intact Financial Corporation CEO, sets a tone that is both focused and people-first. The foundation is the same now as it was sixteen years ago – a purpose- and values-driven organization guided by the belief that insurance is about people. Key to the success are the Values - guiding decision-making, keeping us grounded, helping us outperform. Charles cares deeply about building a most respected company – one where we both help and win. These Values and mindset influence everything: how we run the business, how we support each other, and how we show up for our distribution partners and customers.

And I think our partners feel that when they engage with Intact.

A: Our partners are incredibly clear about what they value: consistency, speed, and responsiveness. They want to know exactly what appetite looks like. They want frictionless submissions. And they want confidence their inquiries are responded to, every time. 

That aligns exactly with how I believe a distribution organization should operate. My role is to make us easier to do business with. Period. Our partners don’t have time for ambiguity or slowdowns, and I intend to further enhance the service they have come to expect from us.

I’m also hearing some great positives. Most especially that they appreciate our specialty depth. They like bringing us challenging risks. They want more opportunities to collaborate earlier in the process. That tells me we have a great foundation and opportunity to partner and build.

A: My focus is on alignment and clarity. When underwriting and distribution move in lockstep, our partners feel it. They get faster answers. They get transparency. They get more confidence that Intact understands what they’re trying to solve. 

First, I’m looking at how we continue improving the distribution partner experience, including smoother workflows, sharper appetite signals, quicker turnaround. That’s the baseline expectation, and we should exceed it.

Second, we’re leaning into strategic distribution growth. That means deepening relationships with partners where we see shared opportunities, being proactive about emerging needs, and ensuring our teams have the tools and support to show up consistently.

Finally, I want our partners to feel more connected to Intact. My commitment is to listen, communicate consistently, and make sure we’re solving problems.

A: The momentum is already here. We have the right expertise, the right culture, and the right strategy. The opportunity is to make everything easier, both internally and externally. 

If we can streamline submissions, tighten alignment between underwriting and distribution, and keep sharpening our specialty edge, we unlock growth for both Intact and our partners. 

I’ve been in the industry a long time, and coming into a place where the fundamentals are strong gives me confidence. My job is to accelerate what’s working and remove obstacles that slow us down.

A: I travel a lot for my job, so when I’m home, I keep it simple: time with my family. We’re very close. My wife and I have been married for 30 years, and we have two daughters who we love spending time with. Both my daughters work in the insurance industry too. So, my wife has endured plenty of insurance talk at the dinner table! If I’m not with them, you’ll probably find me on a golf course. Golf is my escape.

Want to continue the conversation? Connect with Tony on Linkedin, or reach out through your Intact representative.