Skyward CFO Leadership Transition
Skyward Group Names Taryn McHarg as New CFO Following Mark Haushill's Retirement
Key Points
During the advisory period (March 31, 2027 through December 31, 2027), Mark Haushill will receive an annualized base salary of $250,000, will not be eligible for an annual bonus or new equity awards, and will continue to vest in outstanding equity awards under the company’s plans.
Taryn McHarg, who is Apollo’s CFO and Skyward Group’s deputy CFO, brings more than four years in the CFO role at Apollo and a broad background in global insurance and financial services, positioning her to lead the combined finance function.
The leadership change follows Skyward’s January 2026 acquisition of Apollo, expanding the company into a broader specialty insurer with operations across the United States and United Kingdom.
The nine-month advisory period is intended to provide continuity as the new CFO assumes responsibility for the combined finance organization and helps transfer institutional knowledge post-transition.
Skyward Group announced a leadership transition that takes effect March 31, 2027, when Chief Financial Officer Mark Haushill retires after over a decade leading the finance function Nasdaq. Taryn McHarg, who currently serves as CFO of Apollo and Skyward's deputy CFO, will take over as CFO, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer Business Insider. Haushill will stay on as a senior advisor through the end of 2027 to help with the transition.
A Smooth Nine-Month Transition Period
During the nine-month advisory period from April through December 2027, Haushill will earn an annualized base salary of $250,000 TipRanks. He will not receive annual bonuses or new stock awards, though his existing equity awards will continue to vest. The extended advisory role ensures institutional knowledge transfers to the new CFO as Skyward completes the integration of its U.S. and U.K. operations.
McHarg Brings Insurance and Healthcare Expertise
McHarg has spent more than four years as CFO at Apollo, gaining deep experience in specialty insurance Investing.com. She also brings a broad background across global insurance and financial services sectors. CEO Andrew Robinson praised her qualifications, saying she is well-positioned to lead the combined finance organization as Skyward expands its reach following the Apollo acquisition earlier in 2026.
Strategic Growth Through Apollo Acquisition
Skyward acquired Apollo in January 2026, significantly expanding the company's specialty insurance footprint CityBiz. The deal transformed Skyward from a smaller player into a broader specialty insurer with operations spanning both the United States and United Kingdom. The combination has also strengthened the company's financial position—Skyward received an improved A.M. Best rating following the merger, signaling greater stability to investors and customers.
Continuing Skyward's Growth Since 2023 IPO
Skyward trades on Nasdaq under the ticker SKWD, having completed its initial public offering in 2023. The company has moved quickly to consolidate its position in specialty insurance through major deals like the Apollo acquisition. This CFO transition reflects Skyward's maturation as a public company, with experienced leadership ensuring financial discipline as the company integrates its expanding operations.
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