Insurtech Insights takes a closer look at the latest key appointments and what they signal about the evolving landscape of insurance.
Company: HDI Global
Move: HDI Global US Launches Environmental Liability Product Line, Appoints Lindsay Judd as Lead Underwriter
HDI Global Insurance Company, the U.S. subsidiary of international corporate and specialty insurer HDI Global SE, has announced the launch of a new Environmental Liability product line to expand its presence in the environmental risk sector.
The initiative aligns with HDI’s broader ESG Risk Solutions strategy, offering businesses specialised coverage to mitigate environmental exposures.
Lindsay Judd has been appointed Lead Underwriter for the new product line, bringing over 15 years of expertise in environmental insurance. Judd has previously held senior underwriting roles at major global insurers, with a strong focus on sustainability-driven risk solutions. She will be responsible for developing and rolling out the Environmental Liability offerings in the U.S., building on HDI’s success in the European market.
Company: Hiscox
Move: Alexandra Furth is Appointed Head of Claims in the US for Hiscox
Hiscox has appointed Alexandra Furth as Head of Claims in the US, effective March 10. Furth joins Hiscox from AIG and will report to both Mary Boyd, CEO of Hiscox USA, and Steve Parry, Group Claims Director.
In this role, Furth will lead Hiscox USA’s claims operations. She brings over 20 years of experience in claims and legal leadership, most recently serving as AIG’s Head of Casualty Claims. Her background includes building and developing high-performing claims teams. Prior to AIG, Furth held Deputy General and Corporate Counsel positions at Liberty Mutual, the University of Massachusetts, and Resolute Management. She began her career at Ropes & Gray LLP. Furth holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Williams College.
Company: Everest
Move: Everest Insurance International Names van Keimpema Head of Liability & Industry Practices, Europe
Everest Insurance International has appointed Eelco van Keimpema as Head of Liability and Industry Practices, Europe. Van Keimpema joins Everest from AIG, where he spent 16 years, most recently as Head of Casualty for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
With over 20 years of industry experience, van Keimpema began his career at Gerling as a Senior Underwriter Liability. He joined AIG in a similar underwriting role in 2008, later becoming Manager of Liabilities in South Africa before advancing to Regional Head of Casualty for the Middle East and Africa.
Company: Prudential Financial
Move: Prudential Financial Appoints Vicki Walia as Chief People Officer
Prudential Financial has announced the appointment of Vicki Walia as Chief People Officer, effective March 31, 2025. She succeeds Lucien Alziari, who is retiring after eight years as Prudential’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
Walia brings extensive experience in talent management to the role. She currently leads human resources for Prudential’s US Businesses and PGIM, its global asset management business. She initially joined Prudential as Chief Talent and Capability Officer, where she oversaw talent and change management, as well as teams focused on organizational effectiveness.
Prior to Prudential, Walia held leadership roles in human resources, marketing, digital strategy, and innovation at Moody’s Analytics and AllianceBernstein.
Company: Allianz Trade
Move: Allianz Trade confirms its e-commerce ambitions with five appointments
Allianz Trade, the world’s leading trade credit insurer, has expanded its e-commerce team in the Northern Europe region, with five key hires dedicated to the growth of the business’ Allianz Trade pay portfolio.
Kelly Feeley and Blair Pusey have joined Allianz Trade to lead e-commerce sales growth in the UK & Ireland, Johan Bergström in the Nordics and Alexander van Dijk in the Benelux area. Meanwhile, Richie Pamma takes on the role of E-Commerce Customer Success Manager for the whole Northern Europe region. All five report to Eugene Plug, Head of E-Commerce for Northern Europe. Biographies are enclosed below.
The expansion of Allianz Trade’s E-Commerce team comes at a pivotal time in the payments landscape, with a rapidly growing number of business buyers wanting more flexible options at checkout online. With Allianz Trade pay, the newly appointed team is well-placed to offer a range of services dedicated to B2B e-commerce activities, to even more businesses throughout the region.
Company: Previsico
Move: Previsico appoints Colin Ross as Chief Operating Officer
Previsico, the actionable flood warning Insurtech, announces the promotion of Colin Ross to Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his new role, Colin will oversee technical operations, driving project management frameworks, and ensure efficient delivery of the company’s advanced IoT systems in the UK and US markets.
Colin, who has been with Previsico for over 4.5 years, brings a wealth of experience in project management and operations. Prior to his time at Previsico, Colin was a Senior Project Manager at Barratt Developments, so he understands the operational risks and challenges faced by major corporations.
His also worked at Hive for eight years, and his expertise spans managing project management functions, optimising business processes, and ensuring the smooth operation of technical systems.
Company: BMS
Move: BMS Names Genna Biddell MD & Head of London P&C Re
Independent insurance and reinsurance broker BMS has appointed Genna Biddell as Managing Director and Head of London P&C Re.
Biddell joins BMS from Howden Re, where she served as Managing Director of the North American wholesale property treaty team. Her 25-year career also includes North American property treaty roles at Willis Re and Aon Re.
At BMS, Biddell will lead and oversee the London P&C reinsurance business, working closely with reinsurance and programs teams in the US, London, and Bermuda. She will also be responsible for driving strategic initiatives to capitalize on growth opportunities across divisions.
Company: Howden
Move: Howden Appoints Girishankar as Chair of Reinsurance, India
Global insurance and reinsurance broker Howden has named industry veteran Nagarajan Girishankar as Chair – Reinsurance, India.
Girishankar brings over 40 years of insurance broking experience to the role, with expertise across numerous sectors and lines of business, including property, marine, oil and gas energy, casualty, and financial lines.
He will focus on expanding Howden’s presence in India, particularly in sectors like oil and energy, marine, and property, as the country’s insurance market grows.
“I am honoured to join Howden,” Girishankar commented. “It is an esteemed and pedigreed organization, and I will do my best to contribute to its growth and success!”
Prior to joining Howden, Girishankar served as Director for Pioneer Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers Pvt.
Ltd. for five years. Sources and related content
Company: LMG
Move: LMG Welcomes Chubb’s David Kirk to Board
David Kirk, Division President of Chubb Global Markets, has joined the London Market Group (LMG) board as a representative of the International Underwriting Association (IUA).
Kirk succeeds David Furby, Senior Vice President of Chubb Group and Regional President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
With nearly 20 years at Chubb, Kirk has held various leadership roles within its Marine operations, including Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer and Head of Marine. He was appointed Division President of Chubb Global Markets in July 2024. Sources and related content
Company: Radian Group
Move: Jed Rhoads Joins Radian Group Board of Directors
Radian Group Inc. has announced the appointment of reinsurance executive Jed Rhoads to its Board of Directors.
Rhoads brings over 40 years of industry experience, including a decade in senior executive roles at Markel Group. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Underwriting Officer for Markel’s Global Reinsurance Division, where he oversaw the company’s global reinsurance business encompassing more than 25 lines.
His career also includes senior roles at Alterra Capital Holdings, Harbor Point Re Bermuda, Chubb Re Bermuda, Overseas Partners Limited, Stockton Reinsurance Bermuda, and Sedgwick Re.
Company: Resolution Life
Move: Resolution Life names Warren Balakrishnan as US CEO
Resolution Life has announced leadership changes in the US, appointing Warren Balakrishnan as CEO, US, effective March.
Based in New York, he will oversee the company’s growth and management of its insurance carriers in the region. Balakrishnan, previously Chief Strategy and Development Officer, has been with Resolution-managed companies for 12 years, focusing on M&A, reinsurance, and growth in North America. He will report to President Moses Ojeisekhoba.
Current US CEO Conor Murphy will transition out of the role and depart in June.
Company: Carbon Underwriting
Move: Carbon Underwriting Strengthens Board with Key Appointments Paddy Byrne and Michael Watson
Carbon Underwriting Limited (“Carbon”), the specialist independent managing general underwriter and Lloyd’s syndicate, has announced significant updates to its Board of Directors.
Paddy Byrne and Michael Watson will join the board as Chairman and Non-Executive Director (NED), respectively, subject to regulatory approval. They bring extensive experience and independent perspectives to support Carbon’s next phase of growth. These appointments coincide with the planned departure of Chairman Rupert Atkin, who played a key role in establishing Carbon’s reputation for excellence in delegated underwriting authority (DUA) business at Lloyd’s.
Byrne, a seasoned executive with expertise in both insurance and technology, has held prominent roles such as Senior Non-Executive at SRG Group, Chairman of 6point6 Ltd, and Executive Director UK of Xchanging Ltd. Watson, founder of Canopius and former member of the Council of Lloyd’s, brings exceptional leadership experience and a broad network within the insurance sector.
