A wave of senior leadership appointments has been announced across the insurance and reinsurance sector, spanning carriers, brokers and industry bodies. The latest moves at Aviva, Sompo, Marsh Risk, Tokio Marine Kiln and the International Underwriting Association underscore continued demand for experienced executives in technology, underwriting, portfolio solutions and market advocacy.
Aviva appoints group CIO
Aviva has named Chris Cochrane as group chief information officer, effective from summer 2026 and subject to relevant approvals. He joins from M&G, where he currently serves as group chief information technology officer, and will succeed John Cummings, who is set to retire.
Cochrane brings extensive senior technology leadership experience, having previously served as CIO of BT Global Services and CIO of Openreach Service Delivery before moving into financial services.
Marsh Risk elevates Baker to UK portfolio solutions leader
Marsh Risk, part of Marsh, has appointed Angela Baker as UK Marsh portfolio solutions leader, effective immediately.
In her new role, Baker will collaborate with the firm’s UK industry leaders and specialty teams to design and deliver portfolio solutions aimed at maximising client value. A central priority will be the continued development of Fast Track, Marsh’s global quota share facility available exclusively to its clients.
With more than 30 years of experience in risk consulting and insurance — including nearly 25 years at Marsh — Baker has led multiline insurance programmes from strategic planning through execution. Most recently, she headed analytics solutions and operational risk consulting in the UK.
IUA board welcomes SCOR’s Beazley
The board of the International Underwriting Association has appointed Chris Beazley, chief commercial officer at SCOR Business Solutions and CEO of SCOR UK and SCOR Syndicate, to its ranks following its February meeting.
Beazley brings 25 years of industry experience across underwriting and broking firms in the UK, Switzerland, Singapore and the US. His previous leadership roles include a two-year secondment as CEO of the London Market Group.
The IUA board oversees the association’s work to secure an optimal trading environment for London insurance companies and is composed of up to 20 senior executives from member firms.
Sompo appoints Sompo UK CEO after Aspen acquisition
Sompo has appointed Sarah Stanford as chief executive officer of Sompo UK, following the completion of its acquisition of Aspen.
Stanford, who has served as CEO of Aspen UK since March 2024, will now lead all of Sompo’s UK property and casualty operations. Her appointment takes effect immediately, subject to regulatory approval.
She succeeds Bob Thaker, who will depart later this year to pursue new opportunities. Thaker will work alongside Stanford during the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Tokio Marine Kiln strengthens liability division
Tokio Marine Kiln has appointed George Leahy as an underwriter within its liability division, reporting to Oliver Delaney, departmental head of liability.
Leahy brings eight years of casualty underwriting experience and joins from Sompo International, where he specialised in international casualty business with a focus on heavy industries, managing mid-sized to major clients across Canada and Australia. Prior to that, he spent five years at Ascot Underwriting, developing expertise in construction, energy and mining risks across Canada, Australia, Europe and Latin America.
His appointment follows Delaney’s recent promotion to lead the liability division and forms part of the company’s strategy to further strengthen its position in the class.
