17 June 2014News

Barbican expands contingency team with underwriting hire

Barbican Insurance Group has announced the appointment of Julie Abbott as a contingency and media underwriter, with immediate effect.

She will report to James Winn, active underwriter, Special Purpose Syndicate 6113 and will be responsible for managing the firm’s film, contingency and entertainment portfolio.

Abbott, a qualified chartered insurer, brings 28 years of underwriting experience to the role, including 15 years in the contingency, film and entertainment sector.

Most recently, she was a film and entertainment underwriter at ProSight Syndicate 1110, where she established a new account and team for film/media, contingency and commercial insurance for touring entertainers and events.

Commenting on the appointment, Winn says: “During her extensive career in the contingency, film and entertainment sector, Julie has proved not only her ability to grow and develop existing books of business, but also to achieve success by building new accounts and teams in this sector. Her breadth of experience and market insight will be of significant value to the ongoing expansion of our capabilities in this arena.”

Abbott explains: “The film, contingency and media sector is a highly competitive one. Where Barbican stands apart is in its ability to go beyond the standard cancellation and abandonment of event, or non-appearance-type cover to offer a much more comprehensive product which extends to providing entertainment-related property and casualty insurance. We believe this is a particular attractive proposition in today’s market.”