24 April 2015News

TigerRisk strengthens team with Benfield founder

Reinsurance broker TigerRisk Partners has appointed Paul Karon as vice-chairman.

In his new role, Karon will be a senior leader, dealmaker, mentor and strategic advisor to the Tiger leadership team.

He began his reinsurance career in 1985 with EW Blanch, where he became an industry leader and innovator in the property catastrophe market, according to TigerRisk.

He co-founded Benfield in 2000 with Rod Fox, chief executive officer (CEO) of TigerRisk, and served as president/chief operating officer. He ultimately held the positions of CEO and chairman. He also served on the board of Benfield, the parent company, which traded on the London exchange.

Benfield was purchased by Aon in 2008 and Karon served as chairman Americas of Aon Benfield and was a member of the global executive committee. He joined AQR Re, a Bermuda-based reinsurance company, in 2012 as vice chairman and served on its board of directors.

“With his years of top-level reinsurance broking leadership experience, Paul will play a strategic role in the continued growth of TigerRisk,” said Fox. “Paul’s skills are recognised and valued throughout the insurance and reinsurance industry. I look forward to working with him again.”

Jim Stanard, chairman of TigerRisk, added: “I have known Paul for over 20 years. He is one of an elite group of top brokers in the business. We are excited to have him as part of the Tiger team.”

Karon said: “This is a dynamic time in the industry as the interrelationship of the traditional markets and the capital markets grows in importance at a remarkable pace. I look forward to bringing my experience, on both the brokerage and underwriting sides, to bear as well as helping Tiger continue to lead and innovate.”