Ardonagh Specialty has appointed Patrick Rastiello as CEO of its North American reinsurance operations. Rastiello was most recently CEO and President of Accredited, where he reportedly grew the business to over $1.1 billion premium run rate, leading on underwriting and growth decisions. Before Accredited, he spent almost two and a half decades at Aon Reinsurance, where he launched the companys MGA practice group. In the new role at Ardonagh Specialty, Rastiello is tasked with building the firms US reinsurance business, "making strategic hires and leading business development with key accounts". He will report to Ardonagh Specialty CEO Andrew Wallin, working with Nick Foden-Pattinson, President of its North American reinsurance business. The firm explained that the North American team will work closely with Inver Re teams in Bermuda and London to deliver multi-jurisdictional solutions for clients. Commenting on his new role, Rastiello said, "The specialty marketplace in the US is growing rapidly and fundamental changes to the way MGA and specialty business is handled are needed. "Ardonaghs, strength, expertise and reputation for embracing change made it the only organisation I would consider joining. "I look forward to working with my new colleagues across Price Forbes and Inver Re to usher in a new era of superior guidance for new entrants, traditional underwriters and hybrid carriers alike." Andrew Wallin, Ardonagh Specialty CEO, added, "The US is the largest and most vibrant reinsurance market in the world. Pat is a pioneer of reinsurance broking and underwriting, and were proud to have him leading the charge."

Insurance Leader Patrick Rastiello Takes Helm in North American Operations

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Gallagher has announced a number of senior appointments to its facultative (fac) reinsurance team, including the hire of Ardonaghs Claire Burrell as Chief Operating Officer (COO). According to the announcement, the expansion is part of Gallaghers growth plans for its global fac team, which includes establishing new hubs in Singapore and Sydney over the coming months, and expanding its existing teams in London, New York and Dubai. Taking over her new role in April, Burrell will be responsible for all operational aspects of the global fac division during the companys growth period, and will report to Malcolm Payton, Head of Global Fac for Gallagher. She is joining Gallagher from The Ardonagh Group, where she has worked for five years, most recently as COO. Burrell has previously held senior positions at ERS, First Central Law and First Central Insurance Management. Also joining Gallaghers fac reinsurance team is Alex Groves, who has been appointed Executive Director. He will report to Ian Baker, Executive Director and Head of UK Fac Operations and will focus on supporting the USA, Puerto Rican & Canadian broking team. Groves brings three decades of reinsurance experience to his new role and joins from Guy Carpenter having previously held roles at WTW, Decus and Marsh. Trevor Noad has been appointed Broking Director and will be supporting clients based in the USA & Canada. He joins from Howden having previously worked at TBH Group. In his new role, Noad will be reporting to Helen Pound, Executive Director and Head of Fac Property USA, Puerto Rico & Canada. Other senior appointments include Mark Sherwin, who was named Executive Director and Head of Fac Property UK & Ireland. He joins from Miller having previously worked at Guy Carpenter. As well as Emily Stanford, who was appointed Executive Director and will be supporting global clients, facilities and consortiums. She joins from Ardonagh Specialty having previously held positions at Guy Carpenter, Lonmar and Alexander Forbes. Both Sherwin and Stanford will report to Paul Butcher, Managing Director and Head of UK Property Fac. Malcolm Payton, Head of Global Fac for Gallagher, commented: "The reinsurance landscape has changed and with unpredictable rates and solvency regulation requiring greater capital retention, insurers are rethinking what and how they insure. As they seek greater flexibility and control, fac is an increasingly attractive option for clients. "Establishing global hubs will ensure we deliver a comprehensive, coordinated service to clients. It will give additional consistency in processes and sales across all classes, help us broaden our client base, and introduce portfolio diversity and resilience in collaboration with international customers and markets. "These new appointments build on our existing team and I am confident the level of expertise we have at Gallagher is second to none. These appointments speak directly to our strategy of employing and retaining talented people to support our clients."

Strategic Expansion: Gallagher Boosts Global Reinsurance Team with Key Hires

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Claire is a Master, Worship Company of Insurers at Worshipful Company of Insurers, joining in October 2023. Prior to this, she was a Programme Director at The Ardonagh Group from October 2018. She was then promoted to COO before leaving the role. From September 2016 to September 2018, Claire served as Head of New Business and Renewals at ERS. Before that, she held the position of Executive Director at 1st Central Law from November 2013 to June 2016. Claires experience also includes working as a Claims Director at First Central Insurance Management from July 2010 to June 2016.

He brings to the role a proven track record of delivering results, says top boss Aon has appointed broker veteran Steve Dando as the new chief executive of EMEA for its strategy and technology group, a statement released yesterday (18 January 2024) revealed. In his new role, Dando will be responsible for leading strategy and development, delivering software and consulting services. He will be based in London and report to Sherif Zakhary, chief executive of Aons strategy and technology group. "We are excited to have Steve lead the growing capabilities of Aons strategy and technology group in EMEA," Zakhary said. "He brings to the role a proven track record of delivering results through an ability to forge strong and authentic relationships with clients and stakeholders." Dando joins Aon from Ardonagh Specialty, where he was most recently head of markets and distribution. Other senior roles he has held include head of placement at Ardonagh as well as senior vice president of specialty portfolio solutions at Marsh UK. Prior to this, he worked at Howden in the financial lines department. "With his strategic insight and in-depth knowledge of the industry, he will be instrumental in evolving solutions to help clients meet their business objectives, navigate volatility and build greater resilience," Zakhary said.

Strategic Leadership Shift: Aon Taps Industry Expert Steve Dando for EMEA

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Inver Reinsurance Brokers

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The Ardonagh Group is the UK’s largest independent insurance distribution platform and a top 20 broker globally. We are collection of best-in-class entrepreneurial and specialist brands with a network of more 150 locations worldwide and a combined workforce of more than 9,000 people. Across our portfolio, we offer a highly diversified range of insurance-related products and services across the full insurance value chain in the UK, Ireland and broader international markets. From complex multinational corporations to individuals purchasing personal insurance policies, our understanding of the communities we serve, together with our scale and breadth, allows us to work with our insurer partners to deliver a broad range of product and risk solutions that meet customer needs.

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Insurance Leader Patrick Rastiello Takes Helm in North American Operations