Ascot Group taps Vantage's chief commercial officer

Ascot Group has tapped Vantage Risk for a new head of US partnership engagement and strategy where he is expected to drive the re/insurer's distribution network. 

In this newly created role, Dane Lopes will be responsible for all aspects of the Ascot US distribution and sales strategy in support of the platform’s growth and profitability objectives. He will report to Matthew Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, Ascot US, the company said.  

“Ascot prides itself on focusing on our clients across all of our global platforms,” said Kramer. “Under Dane’s leadership, we will continue to foster strong relationships with our US partners. 

"Dane is a seasoned distribution professional and well-versed in the market. His proven leadership skills, deep relationships across multiple distribution channels in the specialty market, and decades of experience implementing a customer-focused distribution plan, will enable us to profitably grow our business where we see strategic opportunity.”

Lopes joins Ascot from Vantage Risk, where he served as chief commercial officer, responsible for building and leading the company’s commercial strategy, including all broker and client engagement, business development, and marketing initiatives. 

Previously, Lopes spent six years at Everest Re Group as chief commercial officer for the company’s insurance division and group chief communications Officer. He has held senior distribution, marketing, and sales roles at Swiss Re, Global Asset Protection Services, and General Electric, Industrial Risk Insurers.

Lopes commented: “It is an exciting time at Ascot – the company is on an impressive growth trajectory, and I am thrilled to join this team of collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial risk professionals. 

"I look forward to leading our experienced Partnership Engagement team members while working closely with our underwriting leaders as we deepen relationships, drive relevance, and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients across the US.”

Vantage Risk chief financial officer Aurora Swithenbank's departure from the re/insurer to join a US private mortgage insurer based in California was announced on March 7. Effective May 1, she will be CFO of National Mortgage Insurance.

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