All change at MS Amlin with new US distribution business and launch into agricultural reinsurance

MS Amlin Underwriting Limited (MS AUL) announced the appointment of David Mocklow as chief financial officer and chief claims officer of a newly formed, US-based sister company, MS Amlin Distribution Holdings, today.

The new business is a key part of MS AUL’s US underwriting strategy, announced earlier this year with the acquisition of US managing general agency International Transportation and Marine Office LLC and its investment in ESG focused MGA InQlusiv LLC.

Mocklow joins from Gramercy Risk Management, where he was head of strategy and corporate development, and brings more than 25 years of experience in re/insurance and capital markets. He previously held positions at investment banking firm Fox-Pitt Kelton Cochran Caronia Waller and at Aon, where has was a founding member of the Aon Capital Markets team in Chicago.

“I am very pleased and excited to have David on board as the first employee for MS ADH,” said Johan Slabbert, CEO of both MS AUL and the new business.

“David has an excellent pedigree in helping build businesses and new business pipelines across the insurance industry. His work on the advisory side and as a strategist will help us build our platform and extend our brand in established and developing markets.  David also has extensive experience using technology and innovative thinking, particularly on the claims side of the business, and I believe it is this combination of skills that will be invaluable as we continue to build a profitable and efficient business.”

The appointment follows the launch of an agricultural lines business by MS AUL sister company, the group’s dedicated reinsurer MS Amlin AG (MS AAG)

Yesterday, it announced that Rinat Bektleuov, who has 20 years’ experience and was global head of agriculture for PartnerRe, will be the product group lead underwriter for the new offering. He joined Amlin in August and is based in Zurich.

According to  MS AAG, the launch is part of its broader global diversification strategy.  Coverage includes five core products: crop insurance, livestock insurance, aquacultural insurance, forestry and a weather index product.

Charles Goldie, chief underwriting officer of MS AAG, said: “The launch of the new agriculture reinsurance offering is an important milestone for MS AAG, which demonstrates progress in, and commitment to, our diversification and growth strategy. Operating alongside our sister company, MS Amlin Underwriting Limited, I am confident that our entry to the agriculture market will provide clients with excellent additional reinsurance solutions and further strengthen MS Amlin’s overall agriculture portfolio.”

The company also recently appointed a new CEO, hiring Swiss Re’s chief operating officer Robert Wiest.