Brad Bartlem Retires From Hunter Premium Funding
The long-time CEO concludes a 26-year tenure as the firm undergoes a leadership transition.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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Brad Bartlem is stepping down as chief executive officer of Hunter Premium Funding after 26 years with the organization. He will transition into a consulting role while the firm continues to integrate following its 2024 acquisition.
Why it matters
The change follows the company's purchase by Pemba Capital Partners in December 2024. The firm remains focused on its annual $2.6 billion gross written premium volume while managing regional market fluctuations.
Hunter Premium Funding manages $2.6 billion in annual gross written premium and delivers over 90,000 funding solutions each year. Pacific commercial insurance rates experienced a 13% decline during the second quarter of 2026.
The players
Brad Bartlem
He is the outgoing chief executive officer of Hunter Premium Funding who served the firm for 26 years.
Daniel Gronert
He is the new group chief commercial officer who oversees performance for both Hunter and Arteva Funding.
Pemba Capital Partners
This investment firm acquired Hunter Premium Funding in December 2024.
Ray Zammit
He is set to return to the organization to lead the Key Partnerships division starting in December 2026.
The details
Daniel Gronert has taken on the role of group chief commercial officer, managing performance across both Hunter and Arteva Funding. The company maintains its separate branding and broker relationships, with Glenn Paine and Alex Lam continuing to lead sales teams in Australia and New Zealand respectively.
Timeline
December 2024: Pemba Capital Partners acquired Hunter Premium Funding.
Q2 2026: Pacific commercial insurance rates decreased by 13%.
October 15, 2026: The company formally announced the retirement of Brad Bartlem.
December 2026: Ray Zammit is scheduled to begin his role as lead of Key Partnerships.
Market Landscape
The leadership change occurs within the context of the 2024 acquisition of Hunter Premium Funding by Pemba Capital Partners. This move reflects the broader consolidation strategy currently shaping the premium funding and commercial insurance sector.
Brokers and clients will continue working with their existing relationship managers and sales teams despite the executive transition. The company's ongoing commitment to its independent brand relationships ensures that service delivery for funding solutions remains consistent.
The takeaway
The transition of a long-term executive to a consulting role indicates a focus on maintaining institutional continuity during an ownership change. Companies in highly consolidated industries often use this strategy to preserve established broker relationships.
What happens next
Ray Zammit is scheduled to begin his new role as lead of Key Partnerships in December 2026.
Further reading
For broader coverage of executive shifts and corporate moves, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Insurance Business.
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