CAVE CREEK, AZ, August 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Matthew Joseph Skillen has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Mr. Skillen has distinguished himself as the vice president at RT Specialty, the wholesale brokerage division of Ryan Specialty (NYSE: RYAN), where he has served since 2016. In this capacity, Mr. Skillen leads his own team, having developed a reputation for his expertise in advanced technology insurance within the automotive sector, including autonomous vehicles, transportation network companies, delivery network companies and various app-based services and platforms. Mr. Skillen's responsibilities encompass traveling to meet with clients, presenting renewal proposals and managing a diverse client base by structuring bespoke insurance programs tailored to each client's unique operations and risk profile.
Lauded for his expertise, Mr. Skillen is recognized for positioning insurance as a strategic tool for client growth rather than merely a required expense. He is deeply involved in pre-underwriting emerging technology, gig economy and hard-to-place risks, working closely with clients and carriers both domestically and with Lloyd's of London to establish premiums that satisfy both parties.
A significant milestone in Mr. Skillen's career was the establishment of a captive insurance program for last mile delivery service partners. Beginning the process in November 2024 and launching the program in April 2025, he completed its first full policy year before renewing the arrangement in April 2026. This initiative marked one of the first wholesaler-owned captive in the industry, a notable achievement given that retailers rather than wholesalers typically control captive programs. Recognizing RT Specialty's aggregation of last mile delivery related business, Mr. Skillen brought together two other senior vice presidents to collaborate on this unique structure. With the support of the Ryan Alternative Risk team, they created what he considers a true industry first.
Before his current role as VP and team leader, Mr. Skillen served as a broker at RT Specialty from 2016 to 2021. During this period, he began to specialize in emerging markets, such as cannabis industry insurance placements, gig/tech economy, habitational, autonomous vehicles, and delivery fleet insurance programs. His approach focused on developing customized coverage solutions for clients operating in rapidly evolving industries like autonomous trucking, drones and cannabis-related entities. By concentrating on sectors that had only recently begun to develop, Mr. Skillen was able to build deep expertise where few established specialists existed.
Mr. Skillen launched his career as an underwriter at Chubb after graduating from college. This initial position provided him with exposure to a wide range of industries and introduced him to the possibilities within the insurance field. Encouraged by his father, who spent his own career in insurance but maintained a strict policy against nepotism, Mr. Skillen was able to explore the industry independently while benefiting from valuable guidance early on.
Mr. Skillen earned a bachelor's degree in international relations and Middle Eastern studies from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. The analytical skills and global perspective gained during his academic tenure have contributed significantly to his ability to navigate complex risk environments and develop innovative solutions for clients across diverse sectors.
Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Skillen has been actively involved in industry organizations, such as the Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies during his time in Colorado. He values such affiliations highly and has expressed an intention to renew his involvement following his relocation to Arizona. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Skillen has demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement through involvement with Los Hermanos during high school and college, participation in charitable initiatives organized through his workplace and periodic contributions through his church community.
Mr. Skillen's accomplishments have been recognized with several awards, including two internal Producer Awards from RT Specialty in 2024 and 2025 for surpassing annual production goals, recognition that coincided with his transition to leading his own team. He also received the Breakout Award from Business Insurance in 2025. Mr. Skillen credits faith as the foundation for nearly everything he does professionally, believing this sets him apart within the industry. The support of his family has also played an essential role in helping him manage the demands of his work, with particular appreciation for the insight provided by his father at the outset of his career.
Looking ahead, Mr. Skillen aims to continue growing his team while developing new products for the market, drawing on experience gained through initiatives such as the last-mile delivery captive program and bespoke coverage offerings. He aspires to be recognized as a thought leader in crafting innovative solutions while maintaining a healthy work-life balance alongside ongoing professional growth.
About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
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