General Insurance newsletter Friday 19th September 2025

Insurance News

How strong is your employer brand? - Companies with a strong employer brand see a significant reduction in hiring costs and time-to-fill, while also lowering annual turnover by up to 69%. Learn how IDEX Consulting could help you strengthen your EVP and employer brand to attract the top 10%. (IDEX Consulting news, 'IDEX EVP Solutions')
The Risk and Compliance employment market - Candidates no longer tolerate poor interview experiences, making slick processes essential to attract quality professionals. Jack Johnson, our Risk & Compliance recruiter shares what professionals are looking for in this market and how to attract the very best. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The Risk and Compliance professionals employment market')
Looking for M&A support? - Our Insurance M&A specialists discuss IDEX M&A's new sell side offering for brokers and MGAs and how this is different to anything else in the market in our latest video. Find out how IDEX can help you prepare for sale and achieve maximum earn out post sale. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Looking for M&A support?')
AI insurance tools - which ones could help you? - Key tools include InsurGPT, Eigen Technologies, and Guidewire. Which ones are you aware of and which ones could help your job? Access our detailed overview to find out. (IDEX Consulting news, 'AI insurance tools - which ones could help you?')
Fortegra Insurance UK, a specialty insurer established in the UK and Europe since 2018, has joined the Association of British Insurers (ABI), marking a milestone in its growth journey; known for providing tailored insurance and risk management solutions, Fortegra aims to contribute to industry discussions on regulatory reform, consumer outcomes, and resilience while enhancing its collaboration with peers in the UK market. (Insurance Business, 19/9/2025, 'Fortegra Insurance UK joins ABI')
The Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) has released a report highlighting how generative AI (GenAI) is transforming the professional liability landscape, with opportunities to enhance efficiency but also introducing risks like liability for AI errors, data breaches, and regulatory compliance; the report provides guidance for underwriters on assessing AI-related exposures, adapting policy wording, and fostering collaboration between insurers, brokers, and clients to navigate this evolving market. (Josh Recamara, 19/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AI adoption could reshape professional liability landscape - LMA')
EIP, a UK-based embedded insurance provider supporting international brands with over €200 million in gross written premium annually, has joined Brokerslink as its newest affiliate; this partnership highlights the growing momentum of embedded insurance, which integrates coverage into consumer purchases, and positions brokers to differentiate themselves in a rapidly evolving distribution landscape. (Kenneth Araullo, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'EIP joins Brokerslink as embedded insurance gains momentum')
Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has opened a new London office in the St Botolph Building, consolidating multiple locations to enhance collaboration and integration across its specialist teams; this milestone reflects SRG’s growth since its 2020 launch, driven by organic expansion and acquisitions, and supports its commitment to the London Market and future development. (Kenneth Araullo, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Specialist Risk Group opens new London office in St Botolph Building')
Uris Group has renewed and expanded its partnership with Zurich, securing a five-year agreement effective October 1, allowing Uris to underwrite up to £55 million in premiums annually for its specialist non-standard household insurance portfolio under the Midas brand, with Zurich providing long-term capacity and support for growth ambitions. (Josh Recamara, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Uris Group renews and expands Zurich partnership')
DUAL Ireland and Hiscox Ireland have partnered to create one of the largest high-net-worth (HNW) insurance providers in Ireland, combining DUAL's underwriting expertise and broker relationships with Hiscox's capacity and reputation to offer tailored coverage for luxury assets like high-value homes, yachts, and private aircraft, while streamlining broker and client services. (Josh Recamara, 18/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'DUAL and Hiscox partnership reshapes Ireland's HNW insurance market')

Personal Group reported record insurance sales in H1 2025, with revenue up 11% to £23.3 million and profit before tax rising 68% to £3.8 million. Insurance premium income grew 12% to £38 million, supported by strong retention rates and new partnerships, including an expanded deal with Sage Group. CEO Paula Constant highlighted the group's progress toward its 2030 goals of £100 million revenue and £30 million EBITDA. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Personal Group reports record insurance sales in H1 2025')
Allianz Trade’s Q2 Sector Atlas reveals that 90% of industries now fall into medium-to-high risk zones due to tariff pressures, rising costs, and weakening demand. Sectors like metals, autos, and retail face significant challenges, while tech and AI-linked industries show resilience. Companies are adapting through supply chain rerouting and operational agility, though these strategies carry long-term risks. (Gia Snape, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Tariff shock leaves 90% of industries in medium-to-high risk zones')
The London Market reported £49.3 billion in premium income for 2024, a 1.7% increase from 2023, according to the IUA. Growth slowed compared to previous years, with property remaining the largest business class at nearly 30% of premiums. Treaty business grew 10%, while professional lines declined. The US and Canada contributed over £10 billion, highlighting their growing significance. (Kenneth Araullo, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'London Market sees slower growth as premium income tops £49bn - IUA')
Arrow Risk Management and Bridgehaven Specialty UK have partnered to launch a combined technology errors and omissions (Tech E&O) and cyber coverage practice. Led by Graeme King, formerly of Volante Global, the initiative targets tech product and service providers, leveraging Arrow’s MGA platform to deliver tailored solutions. (Kenneth Araullo, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Arrow Risk, Bridgehaven team up to offer combined tech E&O and cyber coverage')
According to The Insurance Brokers & Agents Market Report 2025 by ResearchAndMarkets.com, the global insurance brokers and agents market is projected to grow from $467.3 billion in 2024 to $496.3 billion in 2025, reaching $636.9 billion by 2029 at a 6.4% CAGR. Growth is driven by emerging markets, rising healthcare costs, and digital transformation, with major players investing in technology and M&A to expand capabilities and improve efficiency. (Josh Recamara, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Global insurance brokers and agents market set to surge')

Movers

Marsh McLennan has appointed Renee McGowan as Chief Commercial Officer, International, effective October 1; with over two decades at the company, including roles as CEO of IMEA and senior leadership positions across Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, New York, and the UAE, she will lead the firm's commercial strategy across six regions, focusing on strengthening client relationships and advancing integrated solutions to address complex risks. (Josh Recamara, 19/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Marsh McLennan appoints chief commercial officer')
Lycetts has announced senior promotions, including Simon Aitken as Head of Office for General Insurance in Newcastle, Cristina Ion as Head of Office in Edinburgh, Dorothy Pigg as Chair of the Commercial Leadership Group, and Toby Heathcoat Amory as Chair of the Household and Private Client Leadership Group; with over 25 years of combined experience at Lycetts, these appointments, alongside the creation of a Chief of Staff role filled by Gill Teasdale, aim to support growth, enhance client service, and strengthen leadership across the UK. (Insurance Business, 19/9/2025, 'Lycetts strengthens leadership team with senior promotions')
Following its acquisition by NFP, The Bspoke Group has appointed Ryan Gill (formerly Chief Commercial Officer) as CEO, with Tim Smyth becoming Deputy Chair and Craig Hunter remaining COO. A new retail division unites brands like Police Mutual and Arma Karma, led by Kerry McMahon-White as Retail Managing Director. Andy Talbot (ex-Gallagher) joins as Retail Operations Director, Adrian Ewington becomes Retail Underwriting Director, and Stuart Bromley takes over as Managing Director of Bspoke Private Clients. (Kenneth Araullo, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance hires: Bspoke Group names CEO, Specialist Risk Group names CCO')
Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has appointed Sasa Brcerevic, formerly Managing Director of Aon’s carrier solutions group, as Group Chief Commercial Officer, effective November 1. This follows the recruitment of Neil Nimmo as SRG UK CEO, as the group strengthens its leadership to drive growth and reinforce its position as a specialist insurance group focused on people, culture, and market relevance. (Kenneth Araullo, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance hires: Bspoke Group names CEO, Specialist Risk Group names CCO')
Seventeen Group has appointed Oliver Thorne, currently Managing Director of Specialist Risk Insurance Solutions (SRIS) and formerly of Gallagher and Stackhouse Poland, as CEO effective October 27, 2025, succeeding Paul Anscombe. Thorne brings over 20 years of experience in broking and underwriting, with expertise in team growth, acquisitions, and organic development, as the group continues its expansion backed by IK Partners' recent investment. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Seventeen Group names new CEO')
Arch Insurance (EU) dac has appointed Julien Martins, formerly Regional Product Leader for casualty at AXA XL and with prior senior roles at Liberty Specialty Markets and XL Catlin, as Head of Executive Assurance for France. Based in Paris, Martins will develop the insurer's executive assurance portfolio, providing D&O coverage to corporates, SMEs, and financial institutions across French-speaking markets, including France, Belgium, Monaco, and Luxembourg. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, DUAL Europe, ISC Group')
DUAL Europe has bolstered its cyber business with Marek Stanislawski, formerly of Zurich, appointed as Head of Business Development, Cyber Europe, effective Sept. 3, to drive scalable solutions and broker partnerships from Stockholm. Additionally, Erika Chemello and Johan Hedenstedt have been promoted to Head of Cyber Southern Europe and Northern Europe, respectively, overseeing regions including Italy, Ibérica, the Nordics, Ireland, and Benelux, effective Oct. 1. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, DUAL Europe, ISC Group')
ISC Group has named Declan O’Rourke, CEO of Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC and former President of the Insurance Institute of Ireland, as its first male ambassador in Ireland. With over 30 years of experience, including senior roles at AIG across multiple regions, O’Rourke will support ISC’s mission to promote gender balance and drive cultural change in financial services, emphasising shared responsibility for inclusivity. (Josh Recamara, 17/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Arch Insurance, DUAL Europe, ISC Group')
Willis has appointed James Gillespie, formerly of Aon and RPC Tyche, as Head of Data & Analytics for its global direct & facultative specialty team. With over 15 years of experience, Gillespie will focus on developing new products, leveraging proprietary data, and enhancing risk insights to support brokers and clients. This move aligns with Willis’ strategy to strengthen its data capabilities and deliver advanced risk solutions. (Kenneth Araullo, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Willis names James Gillespie head of data & analytics for specialty team')
Allianz UK has appointed Glyn Hughes, currently Director of Personal Lines Underwriting and pricing at Ageas, as Managing Director of Allianz Personal Broker, effective February 2026. Hughes brings extensive experience in underwriting, pricing, and broker partnerships, supporting Allianz’s strategy to grow its broker-facing personal lines business in motor, home, and travel insurance. (Josh Recamara, 16/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Allianz UK names managing director of personal broker business')
Liberty Specialty Markets has appointed Alexandra Weigel, formerly of Zurich Insurance, as Head of Multinational for Europe. Based in Zurich, Weigel will lead the growth of Liberty’s multinational programme as part of its Invest in Europe 2030 strategy, focusing on digitisation, AI-driven underwriting, and tailored solutions to expand its regional presence. (Kenneth Araullo, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'Liberty Specialty Markets taps Alexandra Weigel to lead European multinational expansion')
AXA XL has promoted Donnacha Smyth, currently Head of Casualty for the Americas, to Global Chief Underwriting Officer for casualty, effective November 3. With over 30 years of experience, Smyth will focus on product innovation, portfolio resilience, and underwriter development, aligning regional practices with a global strategy to address evolving liability exposures. (Josh Recamara, 15/9/2025, Insurance Business, 'AXA XL elevates Smyth to global casualty underwriting role')