Attune appoints Hobson as new CEO

Attune, which was  created in September 2016 as a platform designed to serve the $80 billion US small to medium sized enterprise (SME) commercial insurance market, has appointed James Hobson as chief executive officer (CEO).

The platform is a joint venture created by Hamilton Insurance, AIG and Two Sigma.

Hobson is currently the chief operating officer (COO) of OnDeck, a business loans company, but will step down from OnDeck in March 15, and assume the position of CEO at Attune.

The company said that Hobson’s responsibility will be to streamline risk submission and insurance underwriting process, using data science and advanced technology, to meet the needs of small businesses in the US.

In a statement Brian Duperreault, chairman of Attune, said: "If it’s possible to describe an appointment as a perfect fit, then James and Attune meet that description. His deep experience with using technology to enable the growth of small businesses aligns with our objective of making it easier for companies in that segment to get the protection they need to succeed. I look forward to working with James to make Attune’s significant potential a reality."

Hobson commented: "I am honoured to join the Attune team. When three companies of the caliber of AIG, Hamilton and Two Sigma come together, you pay attention. Attune has already transformed how a small business owner’s policy is issued, and I am excited to build upon this early success.

"I am humbled by the faith the Attune board has in me and am looking forward to working with Attune team, Brian and the other members of the Board, and our partners, to transform the way small businesses access the insurance they need to protect and grow their operations."