General Insurance newsletter Friday 4th April 2025

Insurance News

Unlock your career potential with a truly independent broker - Costero, an innovative, independent broker are looking for talented professionals to join their team. Find out about their available roles and what a career with limitless opportunities could offer. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Unlock your career potential with a truly independent broker')
M&A resource library - Access our free resources where M&A buy-and-sell leaders, and tax, regulatory and legal experts share a range of useful guidance, including; how to maximise your sale value, mitigate legal risks and liabilities during a deal and manage a smooth transaction. (IDEX Consulting news, 'M&A resource library')
What insurance AI tools do you need to be aware of? - AI tools are revolutionising the insurance industry by improving underwriting, claims processing, and customer service. Predictive analytics and generative AI are enhancing decision-making and efficiency, though challenges like data privacy and system integration remain. Learn how you can use AI to deliver personalised services, streamline operations, and reduce costs. (IDEX Consulting news, 'What insurance AI tools do you need to be aware of?')
How insurers can mitigate the increase in cyber risk - Cyber risks are increasingly straining the US insurance market, with rising threats like ransomware and data breaches. Many companies remain underinsured, despite billions of dollars in annual losses. Insurers are struggling to keep up with these evolving risks, particularly AI-driven attacks. To mitigate these issues, collaboration on cybersecurity practices and continuous adaptation to emerging threats are essential for insurers. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How insurers can mitigate the increase in cyber risk')
Antares Group, owned by Qatar Insurance Group, posted a 10% rise in post-tax profit to $150M for 2024. Restructuring boosted GWP by 54% to $1.1B, driven by reinsurance, with 15% organic growth. Combined operating ratio (COR) stood at 93%. (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Antares Group posts 10% increase in profit')
Adelaïde Group reported a €450M turnover for 2024, up 12.5%. Aiming for €800M by 2028, it expanded in Europe with key acquisitions, including DUNE (construction insurance), ProConseils (Switzerland), and MBB & Brixia Broker (Italy). (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Adelaide Group reports 12.5% increase in turnover')
HW International BV has completed a management buyout (MBO) with financial backing from OBL Investments BV to enhance its independence and global operations. The company has restructured, focusing on expanding in Australia, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. It aims to grow through mergers and acquisitions and further develop its MGA platform, NuVu, while rebranding later this year. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'HW International BV completes management buyout')
PremFina has partnered with Ardonagh Advisory to enhance premium finance solutions for brokers and their clients. The collaboration combines Ardonagh Advisory’s broking network with PremFina’s technology-driven finance solutions, aiming to streamline processes. Ardonagh Advisory is part of The Ardonagh Group, a leading global insurance distribution platform with a $14 billion valuation. (Jonalyn Cueto, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'PremFina and Ardonagh Advisory announce partnership')
Howden has launched Howden Auto Tracker, an automated platform that integrates tracker and algorithmic capacity for brokers. Initially offering up to 25% capacity, the platform aims to expand to 100% digital capacity by 2026. It streamlines efficiency by linking carriers and enabling additional insurers to join. Backed by Blackstone and supported by insurers like QBE, it builds on Howden's auto-follow strategy with Ki’s digital follow technology launched in 2021. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Howden launches new platform streamlining insurance placement')
CFC has launched its Cyber Proactive Response (CPR) policy for businesses with revenues up to £250 million. This new product introduces two unique coverage elements, 30 enhancements, and removes six exclusions. CPR shifts from reactive to proactive protection, including unlimited reinstatements with zero excess. Notably, it includes proactive cyber-attack prevention services, which were added in 2016 and are now a guaranteed part of the policy. (Jonalyn Cueto, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'CFC unveils new cyber insurance product')

Quick Ralf & Grant (QRG) has moved its headquarters to Dixon House, 1 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, to accommodate over 65 employees. This relocation supports its expansion as a Lloyd’s broker and MGA incubator with a growing presence in Europe and Australia. QRG focuses on select broking lines and helps entrepreneurial MGAs across multiple regions. (Jonalyn Cueto, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'QRG opens new London HQ, unveils brand identity')
Brokerslink has expanded in Africa with new members Rema Broking from Mauritania and GGA Groupe from the Ivory Coast, strengthening its network in 41 African countries. Rema Broking specialises in health, liability, and construction insurance, while GGA Groupe focuses on health risk coverage across Africa. François Masson, Brokerslink's African Regional Manager, emphasised the continent’s diverse insurance landscape and the need for increased access to risk transfer solutions. (Jonalyn Cueto, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Brokerslink expands African network with two new brokers')
Brokerbility has welcomed Cass-Stephens Insurances, a Gloucester-based broker founded in 1966, to its network. The firm specialises in commercial insurance across the South West and beyond, with a team of 25 staff. Cass-Stephens has seen consistent growth through expansion and acquisitions. Brokerbility’s MD, John Dunn, highlighted the firm’s regional strength and growth ambitions as a great fit for their expanding network. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Cass-Stephens Insurances joins Brokerbility's network')
The LMA has released a best practice guide, 'Practical Management of Cyber Exposures and Aggregations', to help insurers manage cyber risks. The report addresses data standardisation challenges, assesses modelling techniques, and offers recommendations for improved risk analysis. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'LMA releases new best practice guide to mitigate cyber risks')
Esure Group plc reported strong 2024 growth, with turnover rising 14% to £1.111 billion and net insurance revenue increasing to £888.8 million. In-force policies grew to 2.13 million, driven by digital expansion and migrating policies to a cloud-native platform. The results follow a £200 million transformation program. (Jonalyn Cueto, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Esure sees profit surge after £200 million revamp')
Aviva has revived its plan to cancel £450 million in preference shares, seven years after a similar attempt sparked backlash and led to the departure of then-CEO Mark Wilson. The new proposal, offering a premium above par value, has received support from institutional investors, though some retail investors, who rely on the shares for income, have raised concerns. The previous attempt, criticised by the FCA, was met with parliamentary scrutiny. (Jonalyn Cueto, 31/3/2025, Insurance Business, 'Aviva's £450 million share cancellation plan draws scrutiny')
RSA Insurance has announced plans to cut up to 250 jobs at its Peterborough office following its decision to exit the personal insurance market. The move comes after Nationwide appointed Aviva to handle its home insurance services, which RSA previously managed. The roles are currently under consultation, and Aviva is set to manage the transferred business from Perth and Glasgow starting in autumn 2025. (Kenneth Araullo, 31/3/2025, Insurance Business, 'RSA job losses loom in Peterborough as Nationwide switches to Aviva')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Gallagher will acquire Bircroft Insurance, a London-based commercial insurance broker, to strengthen its real estate services for UK clients such as property owners, developers, and managing agents. Bircroft specialises in real estate and private client insurance. Established over 15 years ago, it was initially part of the Dawnay Day Group. This acquisition aims to expand Gallagher's presence in the real estate sector. (Yasmin Donald, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher acquires Bircroft Insurance Services')
Specialist MGAs Nirvana and Pulse plan to merge their UK operations to strengthen their position in the specialty insurance market. The merger will combine Pulse's non-standard accident, health, and life insurance offerings with Nirvana's focus on media, tech E&O, cyber, and warranty insurance. The move aims to enhance underwriting capabilities and expand their reach across a broader range of risks. (Roxanne Libatique, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Specialty MGAs Nirvana, Pulse announce merger')
Brown & Brown (Europe) Limited has acquired BCM Acquisitions Limited, the parent company of 1st UK Broking, a Sunderland-based insurance broker. This acquisition, part of Brown & Brown's strategy to expand in the UK, was cleared by regulators. 1st UK Broking, established in 2014, specialises in commercial motor insurance, particularly fleet coverage, along with a variety of commercial insurance products like employers’ liability, public liability, and property-related lines. (Roxanne Libatique, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Brown & Brown acquires commercial motor insurance specialist')
Zurich Insurance has acquired a minority stake in Icen Risk, a London-based M&A insurance firm, as part of its expansion strategy in North America and Europe. Icen Risk offers coverage for M&A-related risks such as tax liabilities and environmental issues. This acquisition aligns with Zurich's focus on growing its specialty insurance portfolio, particularly in M&A insurance, which has seen rising demand due to increased dealmaking activity. (Jonalyn Cueto, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Zurich Insurance to acquire stake in Icen Risk')
Lockton has merged its US-based Lockton Financial Services and International ProFin teams to create Lockton Professional and Executive Risk, combining over 750 associates. The consolidation aims to offer a more coordinated risk management approach, addressing challenges like regulatory scrutiny, cyber threats, and financial risks. This restructuring reflects a broader industry trend toward consolidating expertise for enhanced client solutions, improving knowledge sharing and risk insights to better respond to emerging threats. (Josh Recamra, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Lockton merges businesses')

Movers

Arch Insurance International has promoted Alex Clark to Healthcare Underwriting Manager. Based in London, he will oversee hospital, long-term care, and physician liability underwriting, reporting to James Barrett. Clark joined Arch in 2021 from Tysers and has nearly 15 years of industry experience. (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Howden, SRG, Brit Group and McLarens')
Howden has appointed Brigitte Trafford as Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, leading brand, marketing, PR, and public affairs. Reporting to CEO David Howden, she joins the global leadership team. Trafford previously held leadership roles at Lansons, LSEG, Virgin Media, ICAP, ITV, and Dow Jones. (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Howden, SRG, Brit Group and McLarens')
Specialist Risk Group has appointed Nicola Holmes as Director of Niches and Schemes for its UK Retail pillar. She will lead the private clients division and specialist teams. Holmes previously held senior roles at Hiscox, including Head of Broker, Schemes Manager, and Regional Manager. (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Howden, SRG, Brit Group and McLarens')
Brit Group Holdings has appointed Jean-Jacques Henchoz as a Non-Executive Director, effective May 1, 2025, pending regulatory approval. Henchoz previously chaired Hannover Re’s executive board and held senior roles at Swiss Re, including CEO of reinsurance and regional president for EMEA. (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Howden, SRG, Brit Group and McLarens')
McLarens has established an EMEA Senior Management Board to drive growth across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Led by Steven Wallace and Klaas Brand, the board follows 25% regional revenue growth. McLarens also launched an EMEA Development Committee to explore M&A, new markets, and product development. (Josh Recamara, 4/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, Howden, SRG, Brit Group and McLarens')
Erik Johnson has been appointed Head of Technical Underwriting and Oversight at Markel, starting immediately. Based in London, he will lead the international technical underwriting team and work on maintaining underwriting standards. Johnson, who joined Markel in May 2024 as a Consultant, has held various roles in the London market and co-founded Link, the LGBT Insurance Network, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the industry. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel, Allianz UK, BHSI, Global Aerospace, Carrow Insurance and Equipsme')
Stuart Reid has been appointed Chairman of Equipsme’s board of directors as the company continues to grow in the space between cash plans and PMI. Reid has extensive experience, having founded Stuart Alexander, led its sale to AXA, served as CEO of Bluefin, and worked at Arthur J. Gallagher. He has also held leadership roles with the Chartered Insurance Institute and BIBA’s large brokers committee. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel, Allianz UK, BHSI, Global Aerospace, Carrow Insurance and Equipsme')
Emily Mills returns to Allianz UK from KPMG as Head of Continuous Improvement, bringing experience in driving data-focused process improvements. Fleur van der Ende, appointed Head of Customer Experience, will lead efforts to enhance customer interactions. She joins from a strong background in customer experience management. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel, Allianz UK, BHSI, Global Aerospace, Carrow Insurance and Equipsme')
Caoimhe Gormley has been appointed Country Manager at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI), continuing her role as Head of Customer and Broker Engagement. She joined in 2018 as Head of Executive & Professional (E&P) Lines for Ireland. Ciaran Reddin, appointed Head of E&P, has been with BHSI since 2019 and will continue leading professional indemnity and cyber. Both have played key roles in BHSI's growth in Ireland, strengthening customer and broker relationships. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel, Allianz UK, BHSI, Global Aerospace, Carrow Insurance and Equipsme')
In further news...BHSI has promoted Louise Kidd to Head of Underwriting in Europe. With 22 years of industry experience, she joined in 2020 and has held senior roles, including Country Manager for Ireland and Global Financial Lines Underwriting Officer. She will continue in the latter role while overseeing European product strategies. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Momentum, BHSI, MAPFRE, TMHCC, Apollo and H.W. International')
Christophe Paulin has been appointed President of Global Aerospace (Europe) SAS, bringing over 20 years of experience. He joins from Beazley, where he played a key role in developing the company’s aviation strategy for mainland Europe. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel, Allianz UK, BHSI, Global Aerospace, Carrow Insurance and Equipsme')
Paul Greenleaf has been appointed Senior Accident and Health (A&H) Underwriter at Carrow Insurance, based in London. With 35 years of industry experience, including 25 years specialising in A&H underwriting, he will lead Carrow’s A&H offerings in the UK market. (Josh Recamara, 3/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel, Allianz UK, BHSI, Global Aerospace, Carrow Insurance and Equipsme')
Apollo Syndicate Management has appointed Mike Krefta as a Non-Executive Director, pending regulatory approval. Krefta, former CEO of Hiscox Re and ILS and Chief Underwriting Officer at Hiscox Re, brings over 20 years of experience. He also founded Meadow Consulting, advising insurers and institutional investors. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Momentum, BHSI, MAPFRE, TMHCC, Apollo and H.W. International')
H.W. International B.V. has appointed Jeroen Everling as Chief Commercial Officer, effective April 1. With over 27 years of experience, Everling has held senior roles at WTW, Aon, and Howden. He will lead global expansion and M&A efforts, focusing on growth in Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia, and the Netherlands. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Momentum, BHSI, MAPFRE, TMHCC, Apollo and H.W. International')
Momentum Broker Solutions has appointed Joe Hall as Broker Relationship Manager. With 14 years of experience across brokers, MGAs, and underwriting, he will focus on strengthening broker partnerships in northern UK. His appointment follows John Adey’s addition as Financial Director. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Momentum, BHSI, MAPFRE, TMHCC, Apollo and H.W. International')
MAPFRE has appointed Carlos Diaz Gridilla as General Manager of MAPFRE Inmuebles, effective May 1. Gridilla, with the company since 2016, was previously Assistant General Manager. He succeeds Alfredo Muñoz, who is retiring after 27 years. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Momentum, BHSI, MAPFRE, TMHCC, Apollo and H.W. International')
Tokio Marine HCC has promoted David Feldman to Regional Head of Compliance for the UK and Europe, effective April 1. Feldman, who has been with TMHCC for nearly 20 years, previously worked at Brit and Lloyd’s as a Regulatory Officer. (Josh Recamara, 2/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Momentum, BHSI, MAPFRE, TMHCC, Apollo and H.W. International')
In further news...James Wilson has been appointed Head of Special Risks at Tokio Marine Kiln, effective autumn 2025. With 16 years of experience in political violence, terrorism, credit, and political risk insurance, Wilson joins from The Hartford, where he was Head of Political Risks. He has also worked at Chubb and Catlin. (Josh Recamara, 31/3/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Phoenix Specialty and Tokio Marine Kiln')
Matt Williams has been appointed CEO of Allianz Trade for the UK and Ireland, effective July 1, 2025, succeeding Sarah Murrow. Williams, currently Regional Credit Director for Northern Europe, takes over as Murrow transitions to CEO of Allianz Trade in the Americas. Murrow has been with Allianz Trade since 2004, holding key roles including Global Head of Commercial Underwriting and Product Development, and became UK and Ireland CEO in 2021. (Jonalyn Cueto, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz Trade appoints new CEO for the UK & Ireland')
James Barrett has been appointed Head of Cyber and Healthcare at Arch Insurance International. Having served as interim Head of Cyber since October 2024, Barrett will now oversee both portfolios. With 18 years of underwriting experience, including his role as Head of Healthcare at Arch since 2018, he will focus on advancing the company’s goals and expanding its market presence. (Jonalyn Cueto, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Barrett named head of cyber and healthcare at Arch Insurance International')
Fidelis Insurance Group has appointed Jonny Strickle as Group Managing Director, overseeing the integration of actuarial, capital, underwriting, and risk functions. Strickle, who joined in 2020 as Chief Actuarial Officer, brings 15 years of experience to the role. CEO Dan Burrows emphasised that Strickle's leadership will be key to the company's continued growth and value creation. (Josh Recamara, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Aegon, DLA Piper, Pine Walk Capital and Fidelis')
HDI Global UK and Ireland has appointed Marcus Breese as Head of Cyber Underwriting, effective April 1, 2025. Breese joins from Arch Insurance International, bringing extensive experience in cyber and technology risk, including an 18-year tenure at Hiscox. His appointment will help strengthen HDI’s cyber offerings as the company focuses on long-term growth in the UK and Ireland. (Josh Recamara, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Aegon, DLA Piper, Pine Walk Capital and Fidelis')
Aegon has nominated David Herzog, Lori Fouché, and Jay Ralph to its board of directors, pending shareholder approval at the June 12, 2025, AGM. Herzog, with over 40 years of experience at MetLife and AIG, will succeed William Connelly as Chair. Fouché, known for her transformation work at TIAA and Prudential, and Ralph, an Allianz veteran, bring valuable expertise to Aegon’s strategic direction. (Josh Recamara, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Aegon, DLA Piper, Pine Walk Capital and Fidelis')
DLA Piper has appointed Charles Rix, an M&A expert with nearly 30 years of experience, to its international insurance team. Rix's appointment supports DLA Piper's growth strategy, particularly in cross-border M&A transactions and regulatory matters, offering clients valuable insights into navigating complex insurance industry challenges. (Josh Recamara, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Aegon, DLA Piper, Pine Walk Capital and Fidelis')
Pine Walk Capital Limited has appointed Tim Morgan to lead a new Accident & Health (A&H) Managing General Agency (MGA), set to launch in 2025, pending regulatory approval. Morgan, with over 20 years of A&H underwriting experience, will drive the agency's formation as part of Pine Walk's strategy to diversify its portfolio and expand into the growing global A&H market. (Josh Recamara, 1/4/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: HDI Global, Aegon, DLA Piper, Pine Walk Capital and Fidelis')
Phoenix Specialty has appointed Timothy Christmas as a Construction Underwriter to support its growth. Christmas joins from RSA Insurance with over a decade of experience in construction underwriting, including roles at Zurich and Allianz UK. Phoenix, which launched in February last year with products like Contractors All Risks, plans to expand its offerings and grow internationally. (Josh Recamara, 31/3/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Phoenix Specialty and Tokio Marine Kiln')