Insurers and intermediaries operating across Europe and the London market have unveiled a series of senior-level appointments as they enhance their specialist expertise and underwriting capabilities.
Recent developments include a key leadership hire at Charles Taylor, senior underwriting promotions at Carbon, and an expansion of contingency expertise at Blenheim Underwriting.
Charles Taylor appoints European director for technical and special risks
Charles Taylor has bolstered its European leadership team with the appointment of Stephen Hope as director of technical and special risks for the region.
In this role, Hope will work closely with insurers and reinsurers across Europe, overseeing the coordination and management of large and complex claims on both a regional and international scale. He will also serve as a key link to the London market, enabling streamlined access to Charles Taylor’s global network.
A chartered loss adjuster and chartered surveyor, Hope brings over 35 years of experience in handling high-value and technically complex claims. His background includes significant work across the mining, energy, and natural resources sectors.
Carbon promotes senior leaders to strengthen underwriting strategy
Carbon has reinforced its leadership structure through the promotion of Rob Crocker to chief underwriting officer and Julie Gallagher to group underwriting management director.
Crocker, who joined Carbon in 2024 as an active underwriter, will now lead the firm’s consortia portfolio and oversee its US strategy, while continuing in his role with Carbon Syndicate 4747. He has more than 30 years of industry experience, having built underwriting portfolios across Lloyd’s and multiple international markets. Prior to joining Carbon, he served as active underwriter and head of professional lines at Everest.
Gallagher will support both Crocker and the broader underwriting teams in her new position. She has played a key role in managing Carbon’s partnership with Asta, advancing its US strategy, and driving operational efficiency initiatives. Since joining in 2024 as head of syndicate management, she was appointed chief of staff in 2025 and has previously held positions at Asta Capital, Chaucer, and Benfield Group.
Blenheim expands contingency capabilities with new appointment
Blenheim Underwriting has strengthened its contingency offering by appointing Ian Ritchie as contingency underwriter for Blenheim Syndicate 5886, with his role commencing in June 2026.
Ritchie will join the non-appearance contingency team, working alongside team lead Justin Burns and underwriter Jane Todd. His responsibilities will include enhancing Blenheim’s product offering and supporting brokers and clients with expanded solutions.
His focus will be on diversifying the existing non-appearance portfolio by introducing additional areas such as event cancellation, prize indemnity, contractual bonus, over-redemption, film-related risks, and delegated authority schemes.
Ritchie brings more than 20 years of experience in the contingency insurance market, spanning both claims and underwriting roles, and joins from Munich Re’s Lloyd’s syndicate.
