Mark E. Schwarz has been affiliated with Hallmark since 2001, having served as the Chairman of the Board.  He became President & CEO in 2021, having previously held this role from 2003 until 2006.  Since 1993, Mr. Schwarz has indirectly controlled Newcastle Partners, L.P., a private investment firm which is currently the Company’s largest shareholder.

Christopher Kenney was named President of Hallmark Financial in 2022.  With this appointment, he now serves concurrently in the roles of President and Chief Financial Officer.  Chris joined Hallmark in 2004 leading our accounting division followed by Chief Accounting Officer in 2020 and Chief Financial Officer in 2021.  Mr. Kenney has held various accounting roles and has more than 25 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry.  He is a Certified Public Accounting with a license in Texas.

Biography Pending

Tarek N. Timol joined Hallmark Financial in 2015 and currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer. His responsibilities include leading IT, Operations, the Enterprise Claims Organization, Legal and Compliance, and the Specialty Personal Lines business unit. Mr. Timol brings nearly 25 years of experience in the insurance industry managing several complex functions in a senior leadership capacity.

William Dunn joined Hallmark Financial in June 2021 and currently serves as Senior Vice President, Chief Claims Officer.  In this role, he oversees the claims functions of the company.  Bill has over 30 years of deep and broad claims experience. In addition, Bill has a computer science degree, an MBA degree, a law degree and is a licensed attorney. His vast experience dealing with a wide range of claims and different claims organizations have prepared him to make a valuable contribution in his leadership role at Hallmark’s Claims division.

Pavinee Hat was named Chief Human Resources Officer for Hallmark Financial Services in 2022.  Pavinee joined Hallmark in September 2018 and most recently served in the role of Vice President, Human Resources.  Ms. Hat brings nearly 20 years of experience in various leadership roles in Human Resources within several industries including transportation, finance, insurance and government.  She holds a master’s degree in human resources management.

Janet Gustafson joined Hallmark Financial July 2021 as Vice President, Group Legal and Compliance. Ms. Gustafson has over 20-years’ legal, compliance, and insurance experience, and has held various roles in both private industry and with insurance regulators. She holds a master’s degree in addition to her juris doctorate, and is a licensed attorney in several states.

Gerald Dupre, Jr. joined Hallmark in 2014 and served most recently as Senior Vice President Americas Property and General Property Global Property Practice Leader for Torus Insurance Company. Prior to that, he held senior positions with Axis Insurance Company, Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Allianaz Global Risk U.S. and Fireman’s Fund Insurance.