Sompo International strengthens London office

Bermuda-based Sompo International has revealed that Paul Ashworth has joined the company’s London market insurance platform as head of marine insurance, where he will manage a wide portfolio that includes hull & liability and cargo & specie marine classes.

Ashworth has built and managed marine portfolios from both a carrier and broker perspective over his 30 year career in the London market, underwriting through both company and Lloyd’s syndicates.

The company also said that Ian Keegan has been promoted to the new role of head of London market aerospace, energy & marine and will be a deputy active underwriter for Sompo International’s Syndicate 5151. Keegan joined the company in April 2016 as executive vice president, head of aerospace in the London office where he established the company’s presence in the aerospace market in London. Previously, he launched and managed similar aviation units at Hiscox and Faraday Underwriting. Keegan reports to Richard Housley, chief underwriting officer London market insurance and active underwriter of Syndicate 5151.

Clifford Easton, executive vice president, will continue to coordinate the Sompo International marine & energy business globally and will be taking on additional leadership responsibilities related to Japan interest account business in Europe.

Finally Tom Houston has now been promoted to head of energy, London market insurance. He joined Sompo International in March 2014 as senior vice president, energy with a focus on exploration and production and other upstream energy accounts. Previous experience includes energy underwriting at Hiscox and Catlin’s London syndicates.

“With the addition of Paul to our business leadership and Ian and Tom’s new roles, we have a strong team in place to further expand our presence in these markets,” said Graham Evans, chief executive officer of London market insurance at Sompo International. “Our specialty business in both the London market and continental Europe continue to be a strategic growth area for Sompo International. With a broad range of products, talented underwriting teams and experienced and responsive claims servicing, we are confident that we can add significant value to our client base.”