Several specialty insurance firms have announced key leadership appointments, underscoring their strategic focus on emerging risk areas and operational growth.
Arch Expands Contingency Team to Address Event Risk Demand
Arch Insurance International has named James Byford as Senior Contingency Underwriter, aiming to bolster its presence in the expanding event risk insurance market. Byford, who brings over 14 years of underwriting experience—including his recent role as Lead Contingency Underwriter at Worldwide Special Risks—will play a pivotal role in enhancing Arch’s offerings across event cancellation, non-appearance, liability, and cyber-related exposures.
His appointment comes amid heightened sensitivity to event-related risks, with organisers facing escalating premiums and tighter policy terms due to unpredictable weather patterns, geopolitical instability, and a spate of high-profile cancellations.
Nexus Appoints CUO for Alternative Risk Transfer Business
Nexus Group has announced the appointment of Eamonn Long as Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) for its Alternative Risk Transfer (ART) division. The move comes as the MGA sharpens its focus on delivering structured, capital-efficient solutions for complex and multi-year risk programs.
Long joins Nexus with nearly 18 years of experience across insurance and financial services, including leadership roles in ART at Allianz and SCOR. Most recently, he headed London Market Solutions within SCOR’s Alternative Solutions division. His appointment follows the December 2024 launch of Nexus’s ART unit, led by Christof Bentele, which specialises in structured re/insurance across property, liability, and multi-line portfolios.
Ecclesiastical Names UK COO to Support Growth Strategy
Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has appointed Neil McGeachie as UK Chief Operating Officer (COO), marking a key leadership addition during what the company describes as a phase of “ambitious growth.” McGeachie joins from Aspen Insurance Group and brings over 30 years of industry experience, having held senior roles at Chubb, QBE, Lloyd’s, and Royal & Sun Alliance.
In his new role, McGeachie will be tasked with driving operational efficiencies and scaling up the business, in line with Ecclesiastical’s broader mission to expand its market presence and enhance charitable contributions through the Benefact Group.
West P&I Bids Farewell to Longstanding Asia Head
West of England P&I Club has announced the retirement of Richard Macnamara, a stalwart of the marine mutual sector, after 43 years of service. Macnamara played a central role in establishing and expanding West’s footprint in Asia, transforming the Hong Kong office into a major regional underwriting and claims hub. Today, the Asia portfolio accounts for approximately 40% of the Club’s gross premium income.
Having joined West in 1982, Macnamara relocated to Hong Kong in the 1990s and later transitioned to a senior advisory role to facilitate leadership succession under CEO Cai Xuanlun.
West CEO Tom Bowsher described Macnamara as “a pivotal figure in shaping West’s success,” while Tony Paulson, Head of Asia, commended his “service ethic and commitment to building strong relationships.”
