The insurance industry has seen several significant leadership appointments and strategic expansions this week, with major players like Gallagher, Westfield Specialty and Rokstone making bold moves to enhance their market footprint.
Gallagher Welcomes Former Banking CEO to Board
Global insurance brokerage Gallagher has appointed Clare Francis as an independent non-executive director. Francis, a seasoned financial executive, previously served as CEO of Standard Chartered UK and held senior roles at Lloyds Bank and HSBC, bringing decades of strategic leadership experience.
In her new role, Francis will chair Gallagher’s remuneration committee and join the nominations, audit, and risk committees, leveraging her extensive background in managing large financial institutions. Gallagher CEO Michael Rea praised her expertise, noting that her insights will be instrumental as the company continues to expand its market leadership.
Westfield Specialty Strengthens Offshore Energy Team
Westfield Specialty International has bolstered its offshore energy division with two key appointments. Michael Poulteney has joined as class underwriter, while Manraj Kailia steps in as senior underwriter. Both will be based in London, reporting to Jon Hamilton, head of Marine and Energy.
Poulteney, who brings over 15 years of experience, including his recent role as head of offshore energy at Arch Insurance, will be pivotal in shaping Westfield’s offshore energy strategy. Kailia, who began his career through the Lloyd’s graduate program, also joins from Arch, where he spent seven years developing his expertise in marine and energy risks. These appointments underscore Westfield’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in the specialized offshore energy sector.
Rokstone Expands UK and Ireland Casualty Division
Specialty re/insurance MGA Rokstone, part of the Aventum Group, has announced the appointment of Matt Bishop as class underwriter for its newly established UK and Ireland casualty division.
Bishop, a veteran with 35 years of experience in casualty insurance across the regional composite, Lloyd’s, and London markets, most recently served as a senior underwriter at Convex. His extensive expertise spans UK and Ireland casualty, property and business interruption.
This strategic hire follows the recent appointment of Lewis Goodearl, also formerly of Convex, as head of the casualty division. Supported by A-rated Lloyd’s capacity, the division aims to offer a comprehensive range of products, including employers’ liability, public liability, contractors all risks and property coverage.
These strategic moves reflect a broader trend within the industry, as leading firms position themselves for continued growth in an evolving market.
