General Insurance newsletter Friday 16th January 2026

Insurance News

Does your compensation reflect your true value? - Access the IDEX Salary Calculator to access the latest salary data for your role. Our free tool provides precise industry benchmarks for your role, equipping you with accurate data to confidently negotiate a pay increase or evaluate your current earning potential. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Does your compensation reflect your true value?')
Sustainable ways to grow your business: learn how IDEX can help - IDEX Consulting facilitated the acquisition of Morton Insurance Brokers by Specialist Risk Group, ensuring a seamless transition for clients and employees. As well as enabling Morton’s founder, Adrian Morton, to plan for retirement IDEX enabled the firm's expansion, supporting long term sustainable growth. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Sustainable ways to grow your business: learn how IDEX can help')
Tailored M&A solutions to unlock growth: discover how IDEX can support you – IDEX M&A leverages over 200 years of combined expertise to deliver seamless buy and sell-side solutions. With a network of 40,000+ businesses, IDEX specialises in sectors like general insurance, financial services, and legal, helping businesses streamline processes and achieve long-term success. From unlocking value to driving sustainable growth, IDEX partners with you every step of the way. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Tailored M&A solutions to unlock growth: discover how IDEX can support you')
The InsurTech Paradox: Unlocking Opportunities for Insurers - While insurers focus on AI and automation, the real opportunity lies in leveraging digital platforms to access untapped customer segments. With the InsurTech market projected to grow to $609.50 billion by 2034, insurers can capitalize on embedded insurance, specialty lines, and innovative partnerships to drive growth. By reimagining distribution and embracing technology, insurers can close protection gaps and transform previously unprofitable segments into billion-dollar opportunities. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The InsurTech Paradox: Unlocking Opportunities for Insurers')
Asta has launched Verde Risk Management Limited, a financial lines MGA specialising in commercial crime, management liability, and financial institutions, targeting UK, European, and international markets; led by Directors James Pallett and James Reynolds, Verde operates under Asta’s platform and aims to address coverage gaps while supporting brokers with innovative solutions. (Jonalyn Cueto, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Asta launches financial lines MGA')
Unitary has joined the British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) as an associate member to expand automation support for UK insurance brokers. Following the launch of its virtual agents for insurance product, Unitary aims to enhance broker operations by automating workflows, reducing costs, and improving efficiency without requiring large-scale IT transformations. (Josh Recamara, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Unitary joins BIBA to expand automation support for UK insurance brokers')
The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA) has unveiled its 2026 Manifesto, "Economic Resilience," outlining ten policy requests for the government, FCA, and industry, alongside ten commitments to support brokers. Key focuses include regulatory simplification, promoting cyber insurance, flood insurance capacity, and a new Total Signposting Commitment to help consumers find alternative coverage. BIBA also plans initiatives like an AI training school, a cyber broker directory, and enhanced member guidance. (Paul Lucas, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'BIBA reveals its 2026 Manifesto')
Sedgwick has launched a Global Specialty platform for handling large and complex claims, headquartered in London with hubs in Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, focusing on marine, energy, and other technical risks, supported by over 100 loss adjusters and strategic leadership to address growing global claims complexity. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Sedgwick launches global specialty platform for large, complex claims')

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) is relocating its London headquarters to 30 Old Broad Street in March 2026, aiming to provide a more collaborative and flexible space for staff and members, while maintaining proximity to the Lloyd’s building and member firms in the City. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'CII to relocate London headquarters to Old Broad Street in March')
Aon has expanded its Data Centre Lifecycle Insurance Program (DCLP) by $1 billion, bringing total capacity to $2.5 billion, to address growing demand driven by AI and digital infrastructure, offering comprehensive coverage for construction, cyber, and operational risks. (Kenneth Araullo, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Aon adds $1 billion to data centre insurance program amid AI boom')
Markel has launched Life Science Combined, a specialist insurance product for SMEs in the life sciences sector, covering risks from early-stage research to product distribution; the product, developed with broker and customer feedback, addresses sector-specific risks like medical malpractice, cyber, and clinical trials, while offering value-added services such as legal advice, tax support, and crisis PR. (Kenneth Araullo, 13/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Markel launches specialist insurance product for life sciences SMEs')
The Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) has outlined its 2026 priorities, focusing on underwriting, digitalisation, technical skills development, and regulatory engagement; initiatives include promoting senior female underwriters, advancing digital Core Data Records, and lobbying UK, European, and US regulators, while also supporting Lloyd's upcoming strategy and appointing Matthew Bellamy as Underwriting Director. (Kenneth Araullo, 13/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'LMA outlines 2026 priorities spanning underwriting, digitalisation and regulatory engagement')
Elevated catastrophe losses, persistent geopolitical uncertainty, and accelerating AI adoption are defining commercial insurance in 2026. Swiss Re Corporate Solutions CEO Ivan Gonzalez has emphasised structural shifts, including increased demand for holistic risk management, AI-driven efficiency in underwriting, and growth in property, energy, and alternative risk transfer solutions like captives and parametric insurance. (Gia Snape, 12/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Heightened cat losses, AI set the tone for commercial insurance in 2026')

Moves

Markel Insurance has promoted Ben House to Director of Energy & Power, where he will oversee renewable energy and power portfolios across the international division, unify energy operations under one team, and report to London market Managing Director Rohan Davies, who emphasised the holistic benefits of this approach amid growing sector demand and geopolitical risks. (Rod Bolivar, 16/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel Insurance, Cowbell, Pikl, Pen')
Cowbell has appointed Simon Hughes as Chief Commercial Officer, tasking him with leading global commercial strategy, including distribution, partnerships, and international expansion; Hughes, credited with launching Cowbell’s UK operations, has been pivotal in shaping its international presence, according to COO Trent Cooksley. (Rod Bolivar, 16/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel Insurance, Cowbell, Pikl, Pen')
Pikl has named Jemma Clarke as Chief Commercial Officer to drive UK commercial growth, scale partnerships with property management companies, and expand adoption of its offerings; CEO Louise Birritteri highlighted Clarke’s strategic expertise, while Clarke expressed excitement about advancing insurance-enabled models for the short-term rental market. (Rod Bolivar, 16/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel Insurance, Cowbell, Pikl, Pen')
Pen Underwriting has appointed Darren Glover as Senior Development Underwriter for Northern Ireland, expanding its commercial risk managed team’s presence in the region; Glover will report to Regional Underwriting Manager Gordon Williams and collaborate with business development manager Barry McCormick. (Rod Bolivar, 16/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Markel Insurance, Cowbell, Pikl, Pen')
Generali has appointed Giulio Terzariol as Group Deputy CEO, expanding his responsibilities to lead the insurance business and oversee Banca Generali. Terzariol, who joined Generali in 2024 as CEO Insurance, previously served as Group CFO at Allianz and brings over two decades of industry experience to his new role. (Kenneth Araullo, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Generali elevates Giulio Terzariol to group deputy CEO in leadership restructure')
The International Underwriting Association has expanded its underwriting and claims team with the addition of Pria Punni as Senior Underwriting and Claims Executive, bringing experience from AXA XL, Travelers, and AIG, and James Walker as underwriting and claims technician, a recent graduate from Lancaster University. (Josh Recamara, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, IUA, Texel, Altea, YuLife and UIB')
Texel Group has appointed Rhys Davies as Head of Restructuring, a newly created role. Davies, with experience in political risk, credit, and bonds claims at AXA XL and a legal background from Kennedys, will collaborate with broking and claims teams to provide expert advice on policy management in debt restructuring and complex credit and political risk scenarios. (Josh Recamara, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, IUA, Texel, Altea, YuLife and UIB')
Altea Insurance has appointed Chloe Archer as an Underwriter, reporting to CEO Carly Matson. Formerly with CFC Underwriting, Archer brings expertise in UK and international healthcare insurance, underwriting, and delegated authority business, enhancing Altea’s technical capabilities and broker support across its multi-class healthcare portfolio. (Josh Recamara, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, IUA, Texel, Altea, YuLife and UIB')
CFC has appointed Nick Line as Chief Underwriting Officer. Joining from Markel International, Line brings global leadership experience, an actuarial background, and expertise in managing multi-billion-pound portfolios. He will lead underwriting teams to drive CFC's growth strategy, succeeding Matt Taylor, who served as interim CUO since February 2025. (Josh Recamara, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, IUA, Texel, Altea, YuLife and UIB')
UIB has appointed Ray Spreadbury as Head of Renewables and Divisional Director – Downstream. With over 30 years of experience in energy insurance, including offshore wind, LNG projects, and battery energy storage, Spreadbury will support clients in managing complex insurance and risk needs in renewable and downstream energy markets. (Josh Recamara, 15/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: CFC, IUA, Texel, Altea, YuLife and UIB')
Zurich Insurance Group has appointed Robin Matthias as Global Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions, effective March 1, 2026, to lead its growing risk advisory business; Matthias brings nearly 20 years of consultancy experience, including roles as a Partner at McKinsey and Senior Vice President at State Street Bank International, where he oversaw strategic customer relationships and managed complex portfolios. (Josh Recamara, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Zurich appoints Robin Matthias as global head of Zurich Resilience Solutions')
AXA UK Commercial has appointed Caroline Dunn as Chief Underwriting Officer, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding David Ovenden, who will remain until summer to support the transition; Dunn previously served as Chief Underwriting Officer at Zurich UK and held senior underwriting roles at Lloyd’s of London, bringing extensive expertise in underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, and market oversight. (Josh Recamara, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA UK, Arch Insurance, Tysers and QBE')
Arch Insurance UK has appointed James Heys as Senior Property and Casualty Underwriter, based in Colchester, to focus on new business development in East Anglia; Heys brings over 20 years of UK insurance experience, including roles at Victor Insurance as UK Sports Product Lead and as a Commercial Underwriter at MS Amlin. (Josh Recamara, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA UK, Arch Insurance, Tysers and QBE')
Tysers has appointed William Lines as Director in its property and casualty division, leveraging his 15+ years of experience in placing large, complex risks in international commercial property markets; Tim Stokes, Chairman of property and casualty, highlighted Lines' market knowledge, technical expertise, and insurer relationships as key assets to enhance the client offering. (Josh Recamara, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA UK, Arch Insurance, Tysers and QBE')
QBE has appointed Henrik Hansen as Senior Life Science Underwriter in the Nordics, a newly created role based in Copenhagen to develop QBE's Pharma – Life Science portfolio, including liability solutions for clinical trials; Hansen brings over 20 years of insurance experience, having started at AIG and spending 18 years at Aon Denmark specialising in complex liability placements in life science. (Josh Recamara, 14/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: AXA UK, Arch Insurance, Tysers and QBE')
David Lee, with over 30 years of HR experience, has been promoted to Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI), succeeding retiring Kim Briones, who established the company's HR function in 2013. (Josh Recamara, 13/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: BHSI, Admiral Group and FUW Commercial')
Adam Mead, with 18 years of industry experience, has been appointed Insurance Account Executive for FUW Commercial, enhancing FUW Insurance Services' commercial insurance capabilities across North Wales. (Josh Recamara, 13/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: BHSI, Admiral Group and FUW Commercial')
Ling Ong, a Partner at Weightmans with over 30 years of experience in multi-jurisdictional insurance claims, has been appointed President of London Market FOIL, succeeding Fleur Rochester, to support insurers and reinsurers navigating global market pressures. (Josh Recamara, 13/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Ling Ong appointed president of London Market FOIL')
Westfield Specialty International has appointed Matthew Radbourne as Class Underwriter for power and onshore renewables. Previously Lead Underwriter at MS Amlin, Radbourne brings over 20 years of experience in the power and utilities market to drive growth opportunities and shape underwriting strategy in the renewables sector. (Kenneth Araullo, 12/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Westfield Specialty, QBE')
QBE has appointed Lucy Smith as Senior Media PI Underwriter and Hannah Dennis as Media PI Underwriter to support the launch of its new media professional indemnity product for European operations. Both join from Tokio Marine HCC, where Smith was Senior Media, Film, and TV Underwriter with over 10 years of experience, and Dennis focused on media underwriting for the past three years. (Kenneth Araullo, 12/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Insurance moves: Westfield Specialty, QBE')
Gallagher has appointed Michael McLaverty as Head of its Belfast office and expanded Mark Holmes' responsibilities to include managing the Bristol office. McLaverty, who joined Gallagher in 2022 after over 25 years in the insurance industry, replaces Shane Matthews and will lead a team of 50 in Northern Ireland. Holmes, with Gallagher since 2011, takes over from Andrew Ferguson, who is retiring after nine years leading the Bristol office. (Jonalyn Cueto, 12/1/2026, Insurance Business, 'Gallagher reshuffles UK regional leadership')