It’s time to round up the week’s job moves, so let’s get into it;
BSPOKE COMMERCIAL
Bspoke Commercial Ltd, the specialist MGA, has appointed Nick Grazier in the role of Managing Director, reporting to Group CEO, Tim Smyth. The role incorporates the leadership of the Bspoke Commercial, Bspoke Private Clients and Bspoke Sports & Leisure businesses. Following the acquisition of Bspoke Commercial Ltd, as part of the Precision Partnership and UK General ownership transaction in September 2022, Grazier replaces Gill Anderson who has moved into a Group role as Trading Director. The company has recently rebranded to the Bspoke Group of insurance businesses.
Tim Smyth, Bspoke Group CEO said: “It is great news for Bspoke Commercial Ltd that we have been able to appoint such a well-regarded and highly experienced individual. Nick’s background and expertise means he is perfectly placed to play a pivotal role in our assertive drive for profitable and sustainable commercial growth across our business.”
LIBERTY SPECIALTY
Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, announced the appointment of Zara Ismail to the role of Head of Business Development – Claims (London). She is based in London and takes up the role with immediate effect. Ismail reports to Scott Kellers, Head of London Claims and Deputy Head of GRS International Claims, and Mark Stephenson, Head of Business Development and Market Relationships, LSM.
In her new role, Ismail is responsible for identifying, developing and communicating strategies on how the claims function adds value to LSM’s clients, brokers and across the wider Lloyd‘s and London Market. She will also manage the LSM Claims proposition and deliver an annual claims business development strategy. Ismail’s role will complement the wider objectives of LSM’s claims proposition of delivering superior value by supporting clients at every stage of the commercial relationship.
DAC BEACHCROFT
International law firm DAC Beachcroft’s Claims Solutions Group is pleased to announce the appointment of complex and large loss injury claims specialist Sara Lowther as a partner in its national Casualty practice. Sara, who joins DACB’s Manchester office from Clyde & Co, has over 18 years’ experience of working with international insurers and corporate clients to resolve complex, high value claims.
Craig Dickson, CEO of DAC Beachcroft’s Claims Solutions Group, commented: “Sara’s arrival takes us a step further to achieving our ambitious growth plans in Manchester and to being able to deliver a truly national complex injury claims capability to our insurer and corporate clients. We’re delighted to welcome her to DACB.”
COVER WHALE
Cover Whale Insurance Solutions, Inc. announces the appointment of its Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO), Darien Acosta, who will lead a new AI Transformation organization within Cover Whale. Acosta’s team has a mission to fully leverage the new opportunities for automation, decision-making, and innovation that AI models and advanced algorithms enable. Previously serving as Cover Whale’s Head of Data Analytics, Acosta joins the executive team with the purpose of rapidly generating adoption of AI and machine learning functions across Cover Whale to generate customized solutions for its thousands of partner insurance agents and policyholders, and to accelerate all business
functions.
Since its inception, Cover Whale has continually used AI and machine learning to build the fastest and easiest quoting and binding platform in the commercial trucking insurance industry. The company also leverages AI/ML to power its industry-leading Driver Safety Program, including consuming dash cam telematics and providing real-time driver coaching.
WOODGATE AND CLARK
James Eveling has been appointed Managing Director of Loss Adjuster Woodgate and Clark Limited and of Van Ameyde UK Holding Limited, effective 1st June 2023.
James Eveling has been involved with the Van Ameyde Group in the UK and Europe for over 15 years and, during that time, handled Van Ameyde’s acquisition of Woodgate and Clark Limited and the marine adjusting/surveying sister company, McAusland & Turner Limited. Eveling also advised on the acquisitions of Quadra Claims Services Limited and Spotlite Claims Limited.
Eveling joined Woodgate & Clark in January 2023 as part of Van Ameyde’s succession plan for the UK businesses as Corporate Governance and Compliance Director. He therefore brings a sound understanding of the Group’s business in the UK and the solid reputation Woodgate & Clark has built delivering excellent customer service and technical expertise to the insurance market across personal and commercial lines, as well as specialist areas such as HNW, real estate and entertainment.
iFARM
Rokstone’s farm and agriculture specialist, iFarm Underwriting, has announced the recruitment of four new underwriters with specialist farm expertise. Rokstone has also promoted Lee Ellis to Head of iFarm Underwriting.
Lee Ellis joined Rokstone in 2022 from Geo Underwriting. Highly respected in the market as a senior specialist in farm and agriculture underwriting, Lee’s promotion and the injection of four new underwriters signals a renewed focus by iFarm Underwriting on excellence, and a firm commitment to the Farm and Agri market. Lee offers a wealth of experience and expertise in the insurance and agricultural sectors. With an impressive record in underwriting and product management, Ellis is well-positioned to take the helm. His strong leadership skills and in-depth understanding of the industry will undoubtedly contribute to iFarm’s future success and expansion.
The four new underwriters joining the team are Glenn Cockburn, Denise Pickburn, Graham Hull and Demi Stephenson. Glen Cockburn Cert CII joins as Farm Underwriter. He was previously a Farm Underwriter for 10 years at Lycetts. Denise Pickburn ACII, joins with more than 30 years’ underwriting experience having worked for a number of leading insurance companies in both corporate broking and commercial underwriting roles. She spent 12 years with UK General, latterly as its Head of Commercial Operations and joins iFarm from Rural Insurance where she was a Senior Farm Underwriter. Denise joins iFarm as Senior Farm Underwriter.
CANOPIUS
Canopius Group, a leading global specialty (re)insurer, today announced the appointment of Mark Gazzard as a chemical underwriter within its Heavy Industry & Engineering division. Mark will support the expansion of the company’s existing offering providing specialist cover and expertise to cater for the increasing demand for chemical businesses in the UK and globally.
Mark brings over 30 years of industry experience, with a focus on chemicals manufacturers to his new role. He joins from QBE, where he was responsible for the significant growth of its UK chemicals business. Prior to this, he served as a commercial underwriter at Zurich.
At Canopius, Mark will offer cover and expertise in organic and inorganic chemicals, develop tailored and flexible solutions for chemical clients globally and spearhead the development of this industry pillar.
SUBSIDENCE FORUM
Paul Duddle, Head of Technical and Network at Catalyst Services UK, has been selected to be the Vice-Chair of the Subsidence Forum, the expert body for subsidence in the United Kingdom. His appointment was approved by the forum’s members at the body’s annual general meeting in May. Paul has been a member of the forum’s executive board since 2019.
He said: “I’m honoured that my peers on the Subsidence Forum have selected me to be vice-chair. Given the increasing importance of understanding subsidence and sharing information about it, I am very glad to serve in the role over the next 12 months.”
Catalyst Managing Director Brad Jackson said: “We’re delighted Paul has been selected to this role by his peers in the forum. His technical knowledge is matched by his desire to share it for the benefit of others. His appointment reflects the expertise Catalyst brings to bear to support our clients and customers.”
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