Round-up of the weekly news and developments from the global (re)insurance market with stories from Aspen, Chubb, Charles Taylor and more.
Aspen strengthens London cyber team with addition of Amie Watson
Aspen Insurance’s cyber team in London has added Amie Watson as an underwriter, effective May 2019.
Watson joins from Liberty Specialty Market where she currently serves as a cyber and tech underwriter.
Aspen’s London cyber team is headed by Mauro Signorelli, senior underwriter, technology liability & cyber risk insurance.
Aspen’s cyber team is overseen globally, and is led by US-based Josh Ladeau, global head of technology errors and omissions (E&O) and cyber.
Watson has served at XL Catlin and Aviva in similar roles and also as an E&O broker at Lockton and Willis.
Her appointment follows that of Delvin Tillet who joined Aspen Insurance’s London cyber team as an underwriter in early January from Axis. He was previously at MGA Ascent underwriting.
Chubb hires new life sciences leader for the UK and Ireland
Chubb has appointed Louise Joyce as life sciences manager for the UK and Ireland.
Life Sciences is one of Chubb's five industry practices in the UK and Ireland.
In her role, Joyce will be responsible for leading Chubb's life sciences team and overseeing its strategic development and execution.
She will report to Karen Strong, head of industry practices.
Joyce joined Chubb in 2005 as an underwriter and most recently served as branch manager in Birmingham.
She has previously worked in a variety of roles including Midlands and South casualty underwriting manager.
Commenting on the appointment Strong shared: "I am delighted that Louise has been appointed to lead the Life Sciences Industry practice in the UK and Ireland. Louise brings with her a wealth of experience across many lines of business and this will give us a huge advantage as she develops further our already successful Life Sciences team."
Charles Taylor opens Belgium office to expand in Europe
Charles Taylor Adjusting (CTA) has opened a new office in Belgium to expand its property & casualty (P&C) offering in Europe.
The company said it enjoyed solid growth in the P&C arena and particularly in specialist disciplines such as construction & engineering, professional indemnity, cyber and major loss.
Charles Taylor Adjusting has appointed Ludwig Pauwels and Yves Thaens as directors to join the team in Belgium.
They will report to Andy Rice, managing director, property, casualty, technical & special risks for the UK, Europe and Singapore.
Rice commented: “Expansion into Belgium further enhances CTA’s presence in Europe, with existing offices in France, Greece and Italy. Local presence is very important to develop closer relationships with our existing and new clients, many of whom will be working closely with our colleagues around the world. We’re very pleased to welcome Ludwig and Yves to the team.”
Antares appoints Battle as CEO
Antares has appointed active underwriter Joe Battle as its new chief executive officer (CEO) as Stephen Redmond moves into the newly created role of group transformation officer.
Battle started his career at C.W. Rome in 1985. After assuming a number of senior roles at Charman Underwriting, ACE, and AXIS he joined Antares (then Württembergische) in 2007 and was appointed active underwriter in 2009.
Ewen Gilmour, chairman of Antares, shared: “Joe has been a critical part of Antares success since its inception in 2008. As active underwriter he has overseen growth into diverse and profitable lines, and cemented our reputation for quality, and empowered underwriting. His tenure at Antares has been exceptional and we are very pleased to announce his new role today as Antares heads into the next stage of its evolution and growth.
“I would particularly like to thank Steve for his incredible work with Antares over more than a decade. Steve established Antares as an independent Lloyd’s underwriting business in 2008 and in 2010 formed the Lloyd’s Managing Agency. Following consistent growth and having established Antares’ excellent reputation he oversaw the sale to QIC in 2014. The success of Antares is great testimony to his stewardship and we wish him continued success in his new group-oriented role.”
Ageas hires Jonathan Price as UK CFO
Ageas has hired Jonathan Price as its new chief financial officer (CFO) for its UK business.
Price joins Ageas from Aspen Insurance Group where he also served as CFO.
In his new role, Price will be responsible for financial planning, management of financial risks, and financial reporting for the UK business.
As a senior leader, he will also contribute to the management and decision making of the wider business as part of the UK executive team.
Before joining Aspen over three years ago, Price worked at Aviva for over six years, ultimately holding the position of UK chief accountant for its general insurance business.
Commenting on the appointment Andy Watson, Ageas UK CEO said; “I’m delighted to welcome Jonathan to Ageas. His appointment completes another part of the management structure changes I announced towards the end of last year. Jonathan has broad and valuable finance experience, and I look forward to working closely with him.”
Price commented: “Ageas has been on a transformational journey over the last year as it simplifies its model and focuses on improving profitability. I’m excited to be joining the team at this time and look forward to taking the business through the next stage of its development.”
AXA retail announces interim managing director following Gareth Howell departure
AXA UK has revealed changes to its insurance leadership team following the departure of Gareth Howell, executive managing director of AXA Retail.
Howell is departing the UK and Ireland business at the end of February.
Laurent Matras, managing director for personal intermediary and corporate partners, will assume the role on an interim basis as the company said it is considering "longer-term options".
Matras joins Jon Walker and Waseem Malik on the AXA Insurance leadership team, effective 1 March 2019.
Claudio Gienal, chief executive, AXA UK & Ireland, said: “I am grateful that Laurent has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis as we consider all our options. His knowledge of the business and years of expertise will ensure a smooth transition.
“I would like to thank Gareth for his seven years of service and his contribution to AXA UK. I wish him well for the future.”
Chubb appoints new head of financial lines for Continental Europe
Chubb has appointed Kyle Bryant as head of financial lines for Continental Europe.
In this newly-created role, Bryant will have responsibility for leading Chubb's financial lines team in the region and overseeing strategic development, execution and financial performance.
Bryant, who was previously cyber underwriting manager for Europe, Eurasia and Africa, will continue to be based in London.
He will report to Adrian Matthews, chief operating officer, head of property and casualty, Continental Europe and Steve Goldman, head of financial lines, Chubb Overseas General.
Matthews commented: "Financial Lines is a fundamentally important part of our business and I am delighted that Kyle will be leading our team in Continental Europe. Kyle has a proven track record as a leader, achieving tremendous success in his role as regional cyber underwriting manager. He has been instrumental in creating a powerful cyber proposition for Chubb throughout Europe by providing our clients with the comprehensive and holistic protection they need in this evolving risk area. Kyle is expertly placed to ensure we continue to grow our financial lines portfolio through new agile solutions and methods of delivery for our customers and brokers."