Fidelis has hired former Novae underwriting performance director Ian Burford as chairman of specialised risks within its London underwriting team.

Upon taking up his new position on 4 September, Burford will be responsible for identifying opportunities to expand specialised products in insurance and reinsurance, including MGA start-ups at Fidelis.

He will also underwrite treaty reinsurance, including property for Fidelis Underwriting Limited, where it is complementary to the North American and international business written by Fidelis Insurance Bermuda Limited.

Burford brings with him more than 30 years’ experience within the London (re)insurance market, most recently serving as underwriting performance director at Novae.

He originally joined Novae in 1998. He began as deputy underwriter for its Syndicate 1241 and then Syndicate 2007, then being promoted to joint active underwriter of the group in 2011. He also served as a director of Novae Syndicates Limited.

Commenting on the appointment, UK CEO of Fidelis Dan Burrows, said: “We are pleased to welcome someone of Ian’s calibre and expertise to our underwriting team. His knowledge of the market and emerging needs will be invaluable as we continue our strategy of identifying and attracting specialist underwriting talent with innovative and closely defined products.”