Hallmark Financial Services announced the launch of its new Hallmark Specialty Property operating unit.

Hallmark Specialty Property will initially offer excess and surplus commercial property insurance products, distributed exclusively through designated wholesale brokers. The unit will focus on shared and layered property programs.

Product offerings will include primary, excess and quota share placements including DIC Programs, Single Peril contracts and Deductible Buy-Back programs.

The new Hallmark operating unit is led by Gerald A. Dupre Jr., a 38 year veteran in the property insurance industry, serving in his role as President. Prior to joining Hallmark, Mr. Dupre was the Senior Vice President of Americas Property and General Property Global Property Practice Leader for Torus Insurance Company.

His experience also includes developing the Risk Management Property unit and management of the E&S Property unit for the Axis Insurance Company. He led the U.S.-based Global, Domestic and Reverse-Flow property portfolios for Allianz Global Risk U.S. as well as serving in multiple management roles for Fireman’s Fund, Home Insurance and The St. Paul Companies, where he started his career.

"Joining Hallmark has been a great opportunity to develop a new operation," stated Mr. Dupre. "We have already developed a strong core of underwriting and support talent and are looking forward to growing and expanding the business and its offerings."

"Gerald’s experience and in depth knowledge of property risks makes him uniquely qualified to lead and develop our new specialty property insurance unit," stated Naveen Anand, President and CEO of Hallmark Financial Services. "We are excited about the products our new operating unit will bring to our wholesale brokerage partners."

Hallmark Financial Services is a diversified specialty property/casualty insurer with offices in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Hallmark markets, underwrites and services over $450 million of specialty commercial and personal insurance in selected markets.