Ricksen is the latest in a series of strategic hires for the top-40 insurance broker

San Francisco – March 20, 2025 — Newfront, the tech-driven specialty insurance brokerage based in San Francisco, today announced that industry veteran Michael Ricksen has joined the firm as Executive Vice President, further strengthening its capabilities in delivering tailored risk management solutions for high-growth and enterprise clients.

Ricksen, a seasoned leader with 24 years of experience, will play a pivotal role in expanding Newfront’s advisory expertise. He brings deep knowledge of risk strategy in the technology sector, having guided some of the most dynamic businesses in the world, ranging from emerging startups to publicly traded companies.

“As we continue to invest in industry-leading talent, Mike’s extensive knowledge and client-first approach align perfectly with Newfront’s mission,” said Brian Hetherington, President of Newfront. “His proven track record will strengthen our ability to provide innovative strategies that help organizations navigate complex insurance needs with confidence.”

Newfront represents approximately 20% of U.S. unicorns and serves over 950 venture-backed clients, having collectively brought more than 1,000 companies public. The firm is also home to many of the most innovative organizations in the world, representing 25% of the Forbes AI 50 list and 38% of the CNBC Disruptor 50 list. As Executive Vice President, Ricksen will work with companies of all sizes as they scale. 

Ricksen, who joins from Aon, is the latest in a string of high-profile hires over the past year for Newfront. Recent powerhouse additions include Robert Rittenhouse from USI, Matt Ryan from Sequoia, and a number of other brokers across the country representing top talent in business insurance, total rewards, and retirement services. 

“These elite leaders are validating that Newfront is the best place to build an insurance career,” said Spike Lipkin, Co-Founder and CEO of Newfront, which has introduced a slew of AI-powered solutions to make insurance more transparent and data-driven, including D&O Modeling, RiskPulse, and Contract Review. “We provide the right tools to deliver the best client experience.” 

About Newfront

Newfront is a modern brokerage transforming the risk management, business insurance, total rewards, and retirement services space through the combination of elite expertise and cutting-edge technology. Specializing in more than 20 industries and headquartered in San Francisco, Newfront has offices nationwide and is home to more than 800 employees serving organizations across the United States and globally. For more information, visit newfront.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

Prosek Partners
press@newfront.com