Insurance leadership changes: Lloyd's, Allianz and Northwestern Mutual

October 1, 2024 4:11 PM

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Charles Roxburgh named next Chair of Lloyd’s

Lloyd's announced Charles Roxburgh will be its next Chair, starting May 2025. Charles, who has previously worked in the UK government and private sector, will succeed Bruce Carnegie-Brown after an eight-year term. Charles also worked for McKinsey for 26 years.

Roxburgh said in a news release, "Lloyd's plays a critical role at the heart of the global insurance industry and UK financial services. Under Bruce's leadership, it has prospered and is in a strong competitive position, with robust financial security. The market is delivering valuable protection to its customers and healthy financial returns to members and investors. I am delighted and honored to have been selected as the next Chair of Lloyd's. I look forward to working with the Council, with John and the strong executive team, and with the wider Lloyd's market to guide Lloyd's to even greater success in the future."

Northwestern Mutual announces senior leadership

Northwestern Mutual shared senior leadership promotions approved by the board trustees. Jeb Bentley, current vice president of wealth and investment management, has been named executive vice president, chief investment officer. The appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2025. Jeff Lueken, the current CIO, will retire at the end of the year after 36 years with the company.

Kelly Culler, current vice president of talent and senior HR business partner, will take over as executive vice president, chief human resources officer Jan. 1, 2025. Culler brings more than two decades of HR experience including recruiting and talent development. Don Robertson, who is the current chief human resources officer will step down at the end of the year. Robertson joined the company in 2018. He will continue to serve in an advisory role until July 2025 when he will retire.

Northwestern Mutual announced earlier this year that John Schlisfske, current chairman and CEO will retire at the end of the year. Tim Gerend, current president, will take over the position.

Schlifske, said in a statement: "Tim has established a strong team as he assumes the role of CEO. The company's leadership – and the talent they've cultivated – is well-positioned to continue providing financial security for clients through a comprehensive planning approach--combining insurance, investments and annuities—guided by a trusted advisor."

CEO appointed at Allianz Commercial and Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE announced that Thomas Lillelund will join as CEO in early 2025, also assuming leadership of Allianz Commercial, a global model which serves the commercial property and casualty insurance segment of the organization.

Lillelund has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, with previous roles including CEO of AIG Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Chris Townsend, member of the Allianz Board of Management, said in a press release, "I'm delighted to welcome Thomas to Allianz. He is known for driving profitable growth, for building cultures focused on clients and underwriting integrity, and for developing high-performing teams. I'm looking forward to working with him and the talented team at Allianz Commercial to further drive our integrated approach for large corporate, mid corporate, and specialty customers worldwide."

Ascot names Kewsong Lee as chairman

Bermuda-based global specialty insurance company Ascot Group has named Kewsong Lee as chairman. Lee, the founder and CEO of BellTower Partners, will succeed Neill Currie, who will become an independent director at the company.

BellTower is a private holding company that accesses and invests permanent capital in private companies. Lee's previous insurance industry experience includes board roles at RenaissanceRe Holdings and Arch Capital, and he was CEO of The Carlyle Group from 2018 to 2022.

In connection with Mr. Lee's appointment, BellTower is making a minority investment in Ascot to help expand the company's resources and support its strategic growth plans. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CAC Specialty brokerage hires Pittman for business development role

Insurance brokerage CAC Specialty has hired Sonny Pittman as executive vice president of business development. Pittman, most recently a risk executive at WTW, has extensive experience in behavioral health and property and casualty insurance.

"I am thrilled to join CAC Specialty and be part of such an innovative team," Pittman said in a press release. "Their industry expertise and commitment to client service are unmatched, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue driving value for our clients."

Liberty Mutual’s new board of directors

Liberty Mutual Insurance President and CEO, Tim Sweeney announced former chairman, president and CEO of Farmers Group, Jeff Daily and former senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of Manulife Financial Corporation, Linda Mantia have been elected to Liberty Mutual's board of directors.

Sweeney said in a statement: "Both Jeff and Linda are welcome additions to our board, bringing tremendous value and understanding around the challenges and opportunities we face as a top global insurer."

Great American Insurance Group promotion

Great American Insurance Group announced Shawn V. Los to division group president. Los joined National Interstate Insurance Company, a member of Great American Insurance Group, as an underwriter trainee in 2001. He is president and chief operating officer at National Interstate and will continue to serve in that role with expanding duties at Vanliner Insurance Company and Great American's trucking division.

Cowbell hires new VP, promotes general counsel

Commercial cyber insurance company Cowbell has hired Denise Pagliarulo as senior vice president and head of finance, and promoted Eric Biderman to general counsel. David Junius, CFO, is leaving Cowbell at the end of September.

Pagliarulo most recently was senior vice president and head of finance for North America at AXIS Capital. Before her 12 years at AXIS, she also held executive roles at American Safety Insurance and Deloitte. Biderman has been at Cowbell for three years, since it launched.

"This year has been one of growth and development for Cowbell. We closed our Series C funding round, celebrated one year of success in the UK and expanded our US-based offering up to businesses up to $1B in annual revenues," said Jack Kudale, founder and CEO, in a press release. "As we enter this next chapter of our journey and look to grow our policyholder base, I am confident that both Denise and Eric's leadership will accelerate that rapid growth."