Market Moves: August 2017

Robert Childs

Industry heavyweight Robert Childs, non-executive chairman of Hiscox, has been appointed deputy chairman of Lloyd’s.

Childs takes on the position immediately, replacing Paul Jardine, who retired from the role earlier this year after nine years on the council.

Childs will be one of three deputy chairmen of Lloyd’s, the body that is responsible for the management and supervision of the Lloyd’s market.

The industry veteran joined Hiscox in 1986 where he was the active underwriter of its Lloyd’s Syndicate 33 between 1993 and 2005.

Childs went on to also found its reinsurance company in Bermuda and was chairman of Hiscox US. He was elected to the Council of Lloyd’s as the nominated representative of an external member in 2012.

Welcoming the appointment, Bruce Carnegie-Brown, chairman of Lloyd’s, said: “This is an excellent appointment both for the council and the market.

“Rob brings with him vast experience of the sector in London, the US and Bermuda, which means he has a keen understanding of the challenges the market faces, but also of its strengths and what Lloyd’s can do to help it thrive and be successful. I look forward to working with him closely over the coming years.”

Kirsty Walker

Swinton has appointed Kirsty Walker as its new director of insurer development and product.

Walker will report directly to marketing director Anne Kirk, and will be responsible for relationships with Swinton’s insurer partners and supporting delivery of the growth agenda.

She will also head up the products division and continue to develop a Swinton product set for target customers.

Kirk said: “We are delighted that Kirsty has made the decision to join Swinton. She will be key to achieving our growth agenda and delivering our transformation journey to enable us to compete in the future.

“This is a key appointment for Swinton, and highlights our focus on our insurer panel. Our partner insurers are hugely important to our success, and developing strong relationships will help us to remain competitive in the market.”

A former commercial director at Rural Insurance, Walker brings more than 20 years’ experience in commercial insight and has spent over seven years undertaking a variety of senior leadership roles within Axa’s corporate partnerships division.

James Kent

Willis Re has announced that James Kent will succeed John Cavanagh as global CEO.

Kent, previously deputy global CEO, will take the reins of the reinsurance giant following the departure of Cavanagh, who will retire at the end of December 2017.

Kent joined Willis Re in 2004 and has served as the global deputy CEO since December 2016. He was appointed president of North America in 2010, and previously ran the Willis Re Bermuda operations. Earlier in his career, he spent 13 years with Aon Re.

Carl Hess, head of investment, risk and reinsurance, Willis Towers Watson said: “I am pleased to confirm James Kent will take on the global leadership of Willis Re. He and John have worked side-by-side for many years and share the same passion and enthusiasm for the delivery of superior client results.

“I would like to thank John for his tremendous contribution to Willis Towers Watson. Not only is John a recognised leader of the Willis Re business, he is also a leading figure in the global reinsurance industry. John has been instrumental in creating the reinsurance business we have today and will leave a strong legacy.’’

Carl Carter

Voyager Insurance has appointed Carl Carter as managing director.

The former deputy managing director joined Voyager in October 2014 and has held the position of main board director responsible for development, diversification and distribution.

Carter replaces Jonathan Buttery, who founded Voyager Insurance in 1996. Buttery is stepping down as managing director but will remain on the board.

Carter has worked in the market for 20 years in managing director or sales and marketing director positions for brokers, international assistance and claims administrators.

He sits on the executive committee of the Association of Travel Insurance Intermediaries, having previously been co-founder and long-standing chairman of the Association of International Medical Insurance Providers.

Carter said: “I am delighted and honoured to take up this position in leading Voyager Insurance and driving it forward. Over the last few years we have successfully delivered a range of innovative and market-leading new products backed by exceptional service and technology.”