The insurance sector has witnessed a series of high-profile leadership changes and appointments in recent days, spanning underwriting, operations, and financial roles across multiple organisations.
CEO Transitions at Lancashire Holdings
Lancashire Holdings has announced that John Spence, CEO of Lancashire Syndicates Limited, and Hayler Johnston, CEO of Lancashire Insurance Company Limited, will retire in the first quarter of 2026.
Their successors will come from within the group. Rachel Sabbarton, currently CUO of Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited, will take on the role of CEO at Lancashire Syndicates Limited, maintaining oversight of marine, energy, and specialty lines. Jennifer Wilson, currently group financial planning and analysis director, will step into the role of CEO at Lancashire Insurance Company Limited.
Additional internal promotions include Matthew Thomas as CUO for Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited, Colette Murphy as deputy CUO and group head of property D&F, and Tom Sutton and David Chalk as deputy active underwriters for Syndicates 2010 and 3010, respectively.
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Expands Switzerland Operations
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has appointed Franco Masciovecchio as country manager for Switzerland. Masciovecchio, who brings extensive experience in property and construction underwriting across Europe, will spearhead growth in the DACH region with a focus on commercial and industrial risks.
Vitality Bolsters Clinical Operations Leadership
In the health insurance space, Vitality has named Rishi Patel as clinical operations director. Patel joins from Bupa, where he led the UK genomics programme and innovation initiatives. In his new role, he will oversee claims-related clinical processes and drive operational enhancements.
Fidelis Partnership Appoints New Group CFO
The Fidelis Partnership has appointed Conor O’Riordan to group CFO, succeeding Hinal Patel. O’Riordan, who has served in senior positions at the firm since 2021, including chief capacity officer, has played a key role in major capital transactions and in the company’s separation from Fidelis Insurance Group.
Blenheim Underwriting Strengthens Casualty Team
Blenheim Underwriting has appointed Alex Stratton-Thomsett as casualty underwriter, effective January 2026. He will work alongside David Barber to expand the MGA’s casualty portfolio. Stratton-Thomsett was formerly lead underwriter for US casualty at MS Amlin.
