Aspen names new CIO as Astwood moves into advisory role

Aspen Insurance Holdings has named a new group chief investment officer (CIO) as it wrestles with the heightened volatility in the markets in recent months.

Aileen Mathieson will take up her new position on November 15, 2021. She will be based in London and join the group executive committee.

Her appointment follows the retirement of Bryan Astwood, who retains an advisory role to the group executive chairman and chief executive officer, Mark Cloutier. He also remains a director of Aspen Bermuda.

Mathieson brings over 15 years of investment and financial experience to the role and joins from Aberdeen Standard Investments where she was global head of insurance. She has also served as CIO for UK Life at Zurich, and has held senior finance roles at Nucleus Financial Group, Standard Life Group, Diageo and EMI Music. She started her career at KPMG.

Cloutier said: “During a time when we are seeing increased periods of heightened market volatility, it is important that we are managing our investment portfolio effectively and proactively to deliver positive investment returns, complementing our strategic focus on driving disciplined underwriting performance. Aileen brings an impressive track record in managing investments in the insurance sector.”

Mathieson added: “I’m excited to join Aspen; the opportunity to join a dynamic organization with strong momentum and a clear vision for its future was compelling. I look forward to working with Mark and his team to lead the investment function and to delivering positive returns for the group while continuing to support the business’ ongoing balance sheet strength.”