Pinion Insurance, a start-up based in Hamilton, Bermuda, has appointed Chris Jones as group financial officer, marking another step in the build-out of its senior leadership team within the specialty insurance market.
Jones will be based in London and joins the company’s executive committee alongside chief executive officer Neil McConachie, group chief underwriting officer Philip Vandoninck and group chief technology officer Laura Baird.
Extensive market experience
With more than 30 years of experience in finance and accountancy, Jones most recently served as UK chief financial officer at Aspen Insurance Group, a global specialty insurer and reinsurer recognised for underwriting complex and emerging risks across property, casualty and specialty lines.
During his time at Aspen, the business advanced its investment in digital transformation and automation across claims and policy management, enhancing operational efficiency, cost control and reporting capabilities—experience expected to support Pinion’s technology-driven approach.
Prior to this, Jones held senior finance positions at Beazley Furlonge and Liberty Syndicates. Beazley has been a key innovator in the London market, particularly in addressing emerging and intangible risks such as cyber and evolving workplace exposures. Meanwhile, Liberty’s specialty operations—now part of Liberty Specialty Markets under Liberty Mutual Insurance Group—write a diverse portfolio of commercial and specialty risks from London and international hubs.
Jones began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he qualified as a chartered accountant.
Appointment reflects evolving market dynamics
The appointment comes at a time when specialty insurers in London and Bermuda are adapting to shifting market conditions. According to Marsh’s Global Insurance Market Index, global commercial insurance rates declined by 2% in the fourth quarter of 2024, marking a second consecutive quarterly drop following several years of sustained increases.
At the same time, the market continues to face growing challenges, including climate-related risks, cyber threats and heightened governance expectations. The International Underwriting Association has also pointed to a range of emerging risks expected to shape the London market in 2026.
Against this backdrop, Pinion’s positioning as a technology-enabled specialty platform backed from Bermuda reflects a broader trend of new entrants combining established underwriting expertise with more agile operating models and modern systems.
Jones’s appointment follows the recent hire of Kyle Selvig as US chief underwriting officer, as the company continues to strengthen its underwriting and finance leadership across key markets.
