Leadership

Ron Ganiats serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Paragon, bringing over two decades of specialty program experience to the organization. Before joining Paragon, Ron founded AIX and held multiple leadership roles in underwriting, business development, and executive management. A graduate of the University of California, Davis, with a BA in Economics, he combines deep industry insight with innovative leadership, driving Paragon’s growth and success.

Ron Mairano is the President and co-founder of Paragon.   He started his career at the Travelers as commercial underwriter.  He was also part of three successful startups during the course of his insurance career.  He has held various executive positions and was co-founder of AIX and Artis, both program carriers. With over 35 years in the insurance industry and two decades focused on program management, Ron is an expert in program startups, underwriting, reinsurance, and operational efficiencies. He holds a BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut. 

Enrico Ferrante, boasts 20 years of executive experience in the insurance industry. Prior to joining Paragon, he served as SVP of Operations at SPARTA Insurance and held leadership positions at Alea and AIG. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a BA in Finance from the University of Connecticut, Enrico excels at streamlining operations and optimizing performance, playing a pivotal role in Paragon’s success.

Kyle Struble, Chief Financial Officer at Paragon, leads financial strategy across the organization. With more than a decade of experience in insurance, Kyle has held key roles at AIG, Liberty Mutual, and Plymouth Rock Assurance, as well as serving as CFO of US Operations for Argo Group. A graduate of the University of Rochester with an MBA in Finance, Kyle is instrumental in driving Paragon’s sustainable growth.

Ed Klotz, Chief Underwriting Officer at Paragon, has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 26 years specializing in program management. Prior to joining Paragon, he served as Chief Underwriting Officer at AIX. Ed earned his degree from Seton Hall University and is regarded for crafting and overseeing underwriting strategies that drive program success.

Andrew Bustillo brings over 35 years of reinsurance industry expertise to his role as Managing Director of M&A at Paragon. With extensive leadership experience at firms like BMS Re, Benfield/ Blanch, Guy Carpenter and Aon Re, Andrew has a proven track record in advisory and program management. He also founded Red Bank Re, providing reinsurance solutions, and Pa’Lante, a philanthropic consortium. Andrew holds a Bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, and Masters’ degrees from  Franciscan University, and New York University’s Stern School of Business.  

Mike Denton, Paragon’s President of E&S Property, brings over 30 years of expertise in the insurance sector. Previously, Mike held senior leadership roles at General Star Management, Colony Specialty, and Nationwide E&S, among others. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma with a BBA, Mike oversees and develops innovative E&S Property programs that deliver results for those hard-to-place risks.

Shawn serves as the EVP of Communications, bringing a wealth of expertise shaped by a dynamic career. A proud UCSB graduate, he began his professional path at Morgan Stanley as a broker before exploring various roles in finance. He later spent two decades at MarketWatch and The Wall Street Journal, where he earned recognition for his reporting and editorial work, including standout coverage of the London Olympics and the auto industry’s pivotal bankruptcies. Ultimately, he found his true passion in the insurance industry, joining Paragon to drive impactful communication strategies and share its vision with the world.

Starting his career as an actuary with OneBeacon Insurance, Mahesh has over 20 years of actuarial experience. He carries a BE, Mechanical Engineering from SRM Engineering College, and an MBA in Finance/MIS from Suffolk. Joining in 2025 Mahesh brings experience from senior leadership roles in actuary at XL Insurance, Traveler’s, QBE Insurance, and Crum and Forster.

Marc founded Reel Media in 2014 to focus on the unique and challenging risk landscape of film, TV, and entertainment. He serves as Chief Executive Officer overseeing all aspects of Reel Media business.  Prior to founding Reel Media, Marc was Chief Underwriting Officer of Tokio Marine HCC Specialty which has given him keen insights that created the comprehensive solution Reel Media offers.  

With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Brian Weber oversees key programs for Auto Dealer, Trident Public Risk Solutions, Transportation and Equipment Rental. He has held leadership roles at Zurich Insurance and EPIC, excelling in distribution, underwriting, marketing, and operational strategy. A graduate of the University of Georgia with CPCU and ARM certifications, Brian’s expertise ensures Paragon’s niche and specialty programs are industry-leading and client-focused.    

Erik Kriens, Regional President at Paragon, leverages over 20 years of insurance industry experience, including 10 years at Paragon, to oversee programs spanning Golf, WineRe, North American Timber Program, Manufacturing, E&S Casualty, and more. Erik started his career at Marsh and held key roles at Guy Carpenter and AIX Group. With a Bachelor’s in Economics and an MBA, Erik’s leadership combines deep industry knowledge with strategic vision, ensuring exceptional service to the markets Paragon serves.