The insurance sector continues to see strategic leadership changes, with IQUW and Volante Global announcing key appointments aimed at strengthening operational governance and underwriting oversight.
IQUW Elevates Internal Talent to Senior Roles
Specialty insurer and reinsurer IQUW has made two significant internal promotions as part of its commitment to enhancing underwriting governance, operational performance, and talent development.
Phil Furlong has been promoted to the newly established role of Head of Technical Underwriting and Oversight. In this expanded position, Furlong will oversee underwriting governance and technical standards across the business, while also leading the company’s claims function. He will report directly to Group CEO Peter Bilsby.
Furlong’s previous responsibilities will now be assumed by Mark McDonach, who has been appointed Head of Marine, Energy and Aviation. McDonach, who joined IQUW in 2022 as Lead Underwriter, will take charge of the underwriting strategy for these key specialty lines. He will report to Active Underwriter Steven Tebbutt.
Volante Global Appoints Peter Montanaro as Non-Executive Director
Meanwhile, Volante Global has named Peter Montanaro as a Non-Executive Director, effective July 1, 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
Montanaro will also become Chair Volante International Limited (VIL)—Volante’s UK-based FCA-regulated MGA and Lloyd’s-approved service company. In this capacity, he will work alongside Chair and Interim CEO Martin Reith and join the Volante Global group board.
Montanaro brings deep industry experience, having most recently served as Market Oversight Director at Lloyd’s of London, where he was responsible for overseeing performance and prudential standards across the market. He also chaired the Capital Planning Group, which assesses and approves syndicate business plans and capital requirements.
These appointments underscore both companies’ strategic focus on leadership excellence and operational rigor in a competitive insurance landscape.
