Helix hires ex-James River CIO Kevin Copeland as CFO

Helix Underwriting Partners has appointed Kevin Copeland (pictured), the former chief investment officer at James River, as its first chief financial officer.

Copeland, a re/insurance and investment veteran with over 25 years’ experience, was most recently CFO at climate-risk insurtech Kettle, where he remains a senior advisor and Bermuda director.

The Bermuda-based multi-line MGA said Copeland was previously senior vice president and chief investment officer at James River Group, and has held COO roles at Bermuda re/insurers including James River, Tokio Marine and Argo. He also worked as an investment analyst at Tewksbury Capital and began his career as an auditor with KPMG in Halifax, Canada.

Claude Lefebvre, managing partner of Helix, said: “Kevin has an accomplished financial background with considerable experience in the Bermuda multiline re/insurance industry, as well as in the investment sector. He also has a strong track record of leading successful change while a company is in growth mode — he will be an invaluable asset to Helix as we execute on our short-term priorities and longer-term strategic objectives.”

Nigel Mortimer, managing partner of Helix, added: “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Kevin on several occasions over my career and am very excited that we will now get the benefit of his deep knowledge and expertise at Helix, particularly as we are growing organically and geographically. We are looking to expand our operations in the US and in the UK, and we need to ensure that we have the right people onboard to help facilitate our future growth ambitions.”

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