Pioneer Underwriters has named Andrew McMellin as its new CEO.

McMellin joins Pioneer following a career at XL Catlin stretching back nearly two decades, most recently serving as CEO of UK & Ireland Insurance and having been a longstanding member of the insurance leadership team and the Catlin Group executive committee. 

Previous roles have included CEO of Catlin US, CEO of Catlin UK, deputy group chief underwriting officer, casualty product group leader and casualty class underwriter. He began his career in insurance as a broker at Willis in 1987.

The appointment, which takes effect on 8 October, follows the departure of former Pioneer CEO and founder Darren Doherty earlier this year, who has since become vice chairman and commercial director at Dual.

Dane Douetil - CEO of Pioneer’s parent company Minova Insurance Holdings - who has been acting CEO of Pioneer since Doherty left, will become chairman of the business. 

Pioneer said that Max Taylor, who has been chairman of the company since 2013, will retire following a transition period, during which he will retain a consultative role.

Douetil said: “Pioneer has grown significantly since formation, launching a Lloyd’s syndicate at the beginning of the year and expanding both in scale and in the scope of its underwriting. 

“Max has been absolutely key in guiding the development of the business, and his industry expertise has been invaluable. The board and I thank him for his significant contribution.”

He went on to add that McMellin’s appointment as CEO is a statement of intent. 

“His considerable experience and proven leadership ability will be important as Pioneer continues to grow and develop its unique business proposition. His track record in delivering world-class underwriting results will further strengthen what is an already outstanding team, and I am very pleased to welcome him to Pioneer,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, McMellin remarked: “Pioneer already has an outstanding reputation, with market-leading specialists, an innovative product offering and long-term, strategic capital backing. I look forward to leading Pioneer on the path of smart, results-driven profitable growth.”