Lancashire strengthens US leadership

Lancashire Insurance has strengthened its new US business with the appointment of a new chief executive officer. 

James Flude, group chief underwriting officer: insurance, will move to the US and take over as CEO of Lancashire US while Huw Jones, who has been US CEO since the company’s US launch in March, will become US chief underwriting officer. 

Bermuda-based Lancashire said the senior leadership changes will take effect during the second quarter of 2025 and “will further strengthen the operational and underwriting capabilities of the US business as its growth continues to accelerate”.

Jones led Lancashire Insurance US since its launch in March, 2024 and was previously Lancashire’s head of specialty insurance.

 Group chief executive officer Alex Maloney said: “I am delighted that James and Huw will take on these new roles within Lancashire Insurance US. Huw has done a fantastic job launching the US business and has built a very strong team across underwriting and support functions. 

“Its ongoing success and the growth opportunities for the business mean we are now accelerating these senior management changes to optimise our operations.”

 Group chief underwriting officer Paul Gregory added: “These changes are part of our continued investment in our US business. Huw’s underwriting expertise and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build strong relationships with our trading partners and further expand our operations with new lines of business. 

“James is a proven leader within the senior underwriting team at Lancashire and will bring his strong operational focus to the US business at this exciting time in its development.”

 Lancashire also said that James Irvine, group chief underwriting officer: reinsurance, had decided to leave the business after 14 years.

Maloney said: “We are very sorry to see James leave Lancashire. I would like to thank him for his hard work, commitment and the significant contribution he has made to the development of the business over the past 14 years, both in Bermuda and London. We all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Additionally, Matthew Narbett, currently active underwriter Syndicate 2010, is to be appointed deputy group chief underwriting officer. Matthew Thomas, currently active underwriter Syndicate 3010, will be appointed active underwriter for both Lancashire Syndicates. Rachel Sabbarton has been appointed chief underwriting officer for Lancashire Insurance Company (UK), a role Flude had held for the previous four years.

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