Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 8-K Current Report is filed by Skyward Specialty Insurance Group, Inc. (SKWD) on August 20, 2026, regarding events occurring on August 17 and August 20, 2026. The filing discloses significant executive leadership changes within the Company's finance function.
Key Financial Metrics
This filing does not contain financial performance data such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity metrics. The document focuses exclusively on personnel changes and associated compensation arrangements.
Material Changes
- Departure of CFO: Mark Haushill, Chief Financial Officer, notified the Company of his intention to retire, effective March 31, 2027. The departure is not due to any disagreement with the Company.
- Appointment of New CFO: Taryn McHarg, currently Deputy CFO of Skyward and CFO of Apollo (acquired in January 2026), was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, effective upon Mr. Haushill's retirement.
- Advisory Role: Mr. Haushill will serve as a Senior Advisor from March 31, 2027, through December 31, 2027.
Guidance, Outlook, and Compensation Details
The filing provides specific details regarding the compensation arrangements for the departing and incoming officers:
- Mark Haushill (Senior Advisor):
- Annualized base salary of $250,000 during the advisory period.
- Ineligible for annual bonuses or new equity awards during the advisory period.
- Remains eligible for continued vesting of outstanding equity awards.
- Taryn McHarg (New CFO):
- Current annual base salary of approximately $540,000 (approx. £400,000).
- Target bonus opportunity of 20% to 60% of base salary.
- Existing restricted stock unit award valued at $1,750,000 (vesting 50% on the 3rd anniversary and 50% on the 4th anniversary of the Apollo acquisition closing).
- Compensation will be reviewed by the Compensation Committee in Q1 2027.
No forward-looking financial guidance or operational outlook is provided in this filing.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the exact effective date of the CFO transition (March 31, 2027) and the interim leadership structure.
- Review the full text of the Senior Advisor Letter Agreement and Ms. McHarg's employment agreement when filed as exhibits to the Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2026.
- Monitor the Q1 2027 Compensation Committee review for potential adjustments to Ms. McHarg's compensation package.
- Confirm the vesting schedule and status of the $1,750,000 restricted stock unit award held by Ms. McHarg.