Round-up of the weekly news and developments from the global (re)insurance market with stories from Tokio Marine HCC, Aston Lark, Miller and more.

Tokio Marine HCC International appoints trio to strengthen political risks team

Tokio Marine HCC International has announced a trio of appointments within its professional risk team including Matthew Clayton and Ross Thompson as senior underwriters and Jonathan Olle as senior media property and liability underwriter in London.

Clayton joins the business from Hiscox where he spent 16 years and held various senior underwriting roles in professional and specialty classes, most recently as head of central underwriting. He brings a long track record of underwriting Professional Indemnity (including Technology and Media), Directors & Officers, Liability, and Property lines of business to the firm.

Thompson brings 18 years industry experience across broking and underwriting with a particular specialism in construction risks. He joins the business from the Kelliher Insurance Group where he was most recently head of professional indemnity.

Additionally, Olle joins with 20 years of experience in media property and liability underwriting. He most recently served as an account executive at James Hallam Insurance Brokers where he managed a broad range of Media & Entertainment clients. Prior to this, Olle worked at Tysers and Towergate Coverex, underwriting specialist delegated media policies.

Tony Browne, managing director – professional risks said: “We are really pleased that Matthew, Ross and Jonathan have decided to join what is already a very strong and experienced Professional Risks team.”

“The breadth and depth of knowledge they have gained over the years means that they will all play an important role in enhancing our Professional Indemnity, Liability and Packaged Product offerings to our broker panel and clients across the United Kingdom,” he continued.

“They have an excellent reputation in the market, with a skill set that complements the existing team, and I look forward to working with them.”

Aston Lark acquires ES Risks

Aston Lark has announced the acquisition of ES Risks Ltd, a company offering bespoke and niche wholesale (re)insurance facilities to industry clients.

Based in London, ES Risks was established in 2007 and is a 45-stong team covering all classes of business, from aviation and marine to surety and super yachts.

The business strives to demonstrate dedication to delivering profitable growth, and a high-class service to all parties.

Peter Blanc, Aston Lark group CEO, said: “The ES Risks team brings a whole range of specialist skills to the Aston Lark Group. These experts will help our offices across the UK and Ireland win more business and grow, and I’m very excited by the opportunities that are in front of us. Chris Hobbs has built a fantastic business and I’d like to welcome him and his whole team to the Aston Lark family.”

Chris Hobbs, founder and CEO of ES Risks added: “Joining Aston Lark brings an exciting new stage in our journey and will create development and growth opportunities for our business and staff and provide our clients with an even greater breadth of capability and resource. It has been a privilege to lead ES Risks to our current level of success and I look forward to our continued growth in the years to come.”

Rhys Newland joins Miller as head of renewable energy & environmental technology

Independent (re)insurance broker, Miller appoints Rhys Newland as head of renewable energy and environmental technology.

Newland joined the business on 1 July and reports to Martin Henderson, head of energy.

Miller state, the newly created position signals Miller’s commitment to the fast-moving renewable energy sector as it continues to make high profile appointments across its key specialist areas.

Newland brings over 25 of environmental risk experience to the firm including expertise across PFI/PPP and nationally significant infrastructure projects.

He joins Miller from Willis Limited, where he most recently served as head of infrastructure, specialising in environmental infrastructure.

Prior to joining Willis in 1998, he worked as an environmental consultant where he undertook work for major projects including the World Bank and EBRD. 

Henderson, head of energy, commented: “Rhys is a renowned expert in the field of renewable energy and environmental technology, and I am delighted to welcome him to Miller. The formation of a dedicated renewables team at Miller reflects the importance we attach to delivering the highest quality of service and insight to our clients to help them navigate the complex risks they face. Rhys is an ideal candidate to help spearhead our growth in this key area and we look forward to making further announcements relating to our team’s expansion over the coming months.”

Newland added: “Miller is renowned across the London market and internationally as a high-quality independent broker, providing excellence in client service. With exciting growth plans, as well as an impressive existing client base, I am really looking forward to developing Miller’s renewable energy and environmental technology expertise for the benefit of existing and future global clients.”

MS Amlin Underwriting adds Habib Kattan as outwards reinsurance advisor

Lloyd’s global (re)insurer, MS Amlin Underwriting Limited (MS AUL) has announced the appointment of Habib Kattan as outwards reinsurance advisor, effective immediately.

In his new role, he will focus on supporting the implementation of MS AUL’s outward reinsurance strategy, which includes developing and expanding reinsurance relationships and overseeing reinsurance purchasing.

Kattan reports directly to Tjabo Kuyf, head of outwards reinsurance.

Kattan brings over 40 years of marketing experience and for the last five years, he has worked in an advisory and business development capacity across a number of projects in the insurance and reinsurance space through Kattan Associates Limited.

Prior to this, he spent 12 years as group head of ceded reinsurance and credit control at Tokio Marine Kiln, designing and implementing reinsurance procurement strategies.

During his tenure, he also served as a member of the Global Reinsurance Strategy Board.

Martin Burke, director of Underwriting Performance, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Habib to MS AUL. His market expertise, strong industry contacts and business acumen will be key to delivering on our reinsurance purchasing ambitions to continue to strengthen MS AUL’s business model and balance sheet and support our strategy for the future.”

Lockton Re appoints Showvanik Dasgupta as senior broker within P&C division

Lockton Re, the reinsurance business of the global broker, has announced the appointment of Showvanik Dasgupta as senior broker in its international P&C division in London.

Showvanik started his career in 2006, is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries and brings experience across the insurance market having spent time at Beach Re, Tokio Millennium Re and Aspen Re.

Carla Moffett, head of International P&C, Lockton Re, said: “Showvanik is a great addition to our expanding global presence in the P&C market as we continue to build out our diverse and dynamic team in order to offer our clients ‘best in class’ service.

“Showvanik will be focused on long tail and multiline creative solutions working with our established International P&C business as well as driving new opportunities.”

Keith Harrison, International CEO, Lockton Re, commented: “Showvanik is a great fit for our business as he brings that combination of highly technical expertise coupled with strong market relationships and a collaborative approach to putting clients first.

“He’s another great addition to the depth and strength of our International P&C division.”

Showvanik added: “The culture and energy at Lockton Re was such an exciting proposition. I’m looking forward to supporting clients and prospects, working with the team in London and globally, while building on my expertise and knowledge.”