Zurich announces leaders; Aon's new chief strategy officer: Career moves

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New leaders in national accounts and underwriting at Zurich

Zurich North America announced Heather Fox will lead the U.S. National Accounts business. Paul Lavelle, the previous head of U.S. National Accounts is retiring June 1. 

Peter Caminiti has been promoted to chief underwriting officer for Zurich North America. 

Zurich North America CEO Kristof Terryn, said in a statement: "Heather has been instrumental in the success of Zurich North America in her previous role as chief underwriting officer. Her deep market understanding and prior experience will position her perfectly to take on this next role and achieve the Group's goals. Peter is one of the best underwriters in the industry, with over 20 years of industry experience in underwriting and product management. He is well prepared for this broader leadership role."

Zurich North America also announced Tobias "Toby" Cushing as head of construction. 

Aspen Insurance appoints head of inland marine

Aspen Insurance announced Jon Kattman as head of inland marine. Kattman has been with the company since 2017 and was most recently senior vice president, head of field for inland marine. 

Don Keahon, EVP, first party portfolio director, said, in a statement: "Jon's promotion underscores Aspen's deep bench strength as an industry leader for Inland Marine products and services, and further demonstrates our commitment to growing this important line of business, which is an integral part of our first party portfolio. Furthermore, he has played a key role in the execution of our strategic geographic expansion, enabling our team to better align with key regional and local trading partners. We look forward to the insights and technical expertise that Jon will continue to bring and congratulate him on his elevated role."

Frankenmuth Insurance appoints chief legal officer

Frankenmuth Insurance has appointed Kelly Ott as chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Ott will oversee corporate legal matters, governance and regulatory compliance. Ott previously held senior roles at State Farm, Horace Mann and The Hanover Group. 

Descartes announces senior operations and claims leaders

Descartes Underwriting has announced Sophie Bassoulet as head of operations and Kelly Collet-Jones as claims manager. 

Chief Operating Officer Violaine Raybaud, said in a statement: "By applying Descartes' innovative approach to our operations and claims, we're unlocking unprecedented data analytics, streamlining our processes, and ultimately enhancing our ability to proactively empower our insureds and partners. I am proud to have Sophie and Kelly leading this transformative effort."

Fidelis Insurance appoints chief underwriting officer, Bermeda

Fidelis Insurance announced Hannah Greenwood as chief underwriting officer for Bermuda. 

Greenwood joined the company as chief of staff in 2023 and will now be responsible for the underwriting strategy and risk management operations at Fidelis Insurance Bermuda. 

Aon taps Lambrou to lead strategy

Aon has named Lambros Lambrou as chief strategy officer.

Lambrou previously served as CEO of the Human Capital unit of Aon and in several other executive roles at the company, including global CEO of commercial risk, chief commercial officer and CEO of global specialties for commercial risk solutions.

In his new role, Lambrou will lead Aon Executive Committee initiatives core to the firm's Aon United strategy and 3x3 Plan, including support of Aon's "independent and connected" NFP strategy. Aon recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the close of the NFP acquisition, which accelerated the firm's access to the middle market and contributed meaningfully to the firm's performance. 

Earlier in his career, Lambrou served as CEO of Aon's retail business in Australia, CEO of Aon's Global Broking Centre in London, Chief Broking Officer of EMEA, Global Chief Operating Officer for Aon Broking and Head of Aon Analytics.

Young joins Troutman Pepper Locke insurance practice

Troutman Pepper Locke has hired Marisa Young as a partner in its Insurance Transactional and Regulatory Practice Group, based in Chicago. 

Young has joined the firm from McDermott Will & Emery. Her clients include major players in the insurance and financial sectors, including investment firms, insurance companies, insurance brokerage firms, managing general agents, and insurtech businesses. Young advises on insurance regulatory compliance matters, drafting regulatory filings, and liaising with state insurance regulators regarding ongoing and potential transactions.

Send hires McCormack to lead expansion

Send Technology Solutions has hired Shelley McCormack as chief of staff to lead the insurtech's U.S. expansion and international growth.

In her new role, McCormack oversees delivery, customer success and strategic project teams. She reports to Andy Moss, co-founder and CEO of Send.

Previously, McCormack was program manager at Aviva, where she led the implementation of Send's Underwriting Workbench in Aviva's global corporate and specialty division.