Banyan Risk appoints trio of industry veterans to advisory board amid growth push

John Berger, former CEO of Ascot Re, Bob Cox, former president and chief operating officer of global insurance operations at Markel Group, and Andrew Cook, former founding chief financial officer of Axis Capital, have been appointed to the advisory board of Banyan Risk as the company continues to expand its underwriting platform and global footprint.

The Bermuda-based specialty MGA has established the advisory board as part of its next phase of development, bringing together decades of senior re/insurance experience to support its ongoing growth trajectory.

Berger has more than 30 years of experience in the global re/insurance market. He was appointed chairman of the board of Coaction Specialty Insurance Group in May 2024 and has previously served as CEO of Ascot Re, founding chairman and chief executive officer of Third Point Reinsurance, CEO of Alterra Capital Holdings and CEO and president of Chubb Re, later Harbour Point.

Cox brings more than four decades of industry experience. Most recently, he served as president and chief operating officer of global insurance operations at Markel Group from 2018 until the end of 2023. Earlier in his career he held senior executive roles at Chubb and other specialty insurance organisations.

Cook has more than 35 years of experience in the market and currently serves as a non-executive director of several Bermuda-based companies, including Ferian Re, Atlas Arteria, Omega Cat Re and Aspida Re (Bermuda). He began his career at Ernst and Young in Bermuda as an audit manager in 1984 before becoming the founding chief financial officer of La Salle Re. When Axis Capital was established in 2001, he became its founding chief financial officer and later moved to Alterra Capital as president.

Tim Usher-Jones, co-CEO of Banyan Risk, said: “The formation of our advisory board is an important step for Banyan Risk as we continue to grow the business. John, Bob, and Andrew bring an exceptional depth of experience and perspective, and we are very pleased to have their support as we move into the next phase of our development.”

Peter Horrobin, co-CEO of Banyan Risk, added: “We have known John, Bob, and Andrew for a long time now and they have seen Banyan’s steady and fast-paced growth over the years. Their decision to join the advisory board reflects both their confidence in the business and the stage we are now at in our development.”

Berger said: “Banyan Risk has built a strong platform with a clear sense of direction. The business has grown quickly since its formation in 2021, and as a relatively young but fast-scaling MGA, it has been one we have watched with interest. I know I speak on behalf of Andrew and Bob in saying that we are pleased to be joining the advisory board at a point where there is real momentum and opportunity ahead.”

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