The UK and global insurance and risk sector has witnessed a wave of senior appointments across specialist insurers, law firms, and brokers, underscoring ongoing investment in leadership and strategic growth.
Bridgehaven strengthens underwriting leadership
Bridgehaven Specialty UK Limited has appointed Jamie Wakeling as head of underwriting strategy.
Wakeling, formerly group CUO at Ocean Re and a long-serving leader at Canopius, brings two decades of experience in the London reinsurance market. He said he was drawn to Bridgehaven’s hybrid insurance model and looks forward to advancing its growth alongside UK and international partners.
DAC Beachcroft builds global shipping practice
International law firm DAC Beachcroft (DACB) has named Helen Yiacoumis to lead its global shipping practice.
Yiacoumis, who has more than 20 years of expertise in the Greek shipping sector, previously held senior positions at NorthStandard and at Skuld in Piraeus. Partners Simon Jackson and Wai Yue Loh described her appointment as a key step in expanding DACB’s shipping capabilities across major international markets.
HDI Global expands ESG risk leadership
HDI Global has reinforced its ESG Risk Solutions division with three senior appointments: Chris Strong as head of ESG Risk Solutions (Manchester), Thordis Jensen as head of ESG Risk Solutions International (Cologne), and Ludovic Ruiller as head of ESG Solutions Europe (Paris).
The hires support the global rollout of HDI’s ESG insurance products, which integrate environmental protection with social and governance extensions. Board member Dr Mukadder Erdönmez stressed ESG as a boardroom priority, while the new leaders bring expertise in environmental liability, sustainable finance, and international markets.
Specialist Risk Group bolsters real estate and legal offering
Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has expanded its capabilities in real estate, legal indemnities, and rights of light through the appointment of Mark Manwaring and his team.
Willis invests in sports insurance growth
Willis, part of WTW, has appointed Louis Elwood as head of sports within its crisis management global specialty division.
With 18 years of sector experience, Elwood will lead global growth in sports and entertainment insurance. He reports to Ian Tomlin, head of accident & health, while Jo Holliday noted the hire reflects Willis’ ongoing investment in the sector.
Blenheim Underwriting grows property portfolio team
Blenheim Underwriting has named Phil Lawson and Alex Hewlett as class underwriters, joining its delegated authority team in February 2026.
Both bring strong expertise from Scor Syndicate 2015. Group chairman Peter Scales said the appointments reinforce Blenheim’s strategy of attracting proven underwriting talent to drive portfolio expansion.
