Applied Underwriters establishes surety unit

Joshua Betz

Applied Underwriters Inc. said Monday it has launched Houston-based Applied Surety Underwriters and named Joshua Betz, former president of Argo Surety, a unit of Argo Group International Holdings Ltd., to lead the new business.

Applied Surety Underwriters will focus on large commercial and contract surety business worldwide, Applied said in a statement.

Prior to joining Applied, Mr. Betz spent 14 years as president of Argo Surety.

Jamie Sahara, president of Applied Underwriters, said in the statement the new division is “accepting business already from sources across the globe.”