Ascot Group welcomes new executives

Ascot Group welcomes new executives | Insurance Business New Zealand

Reinsurance

Ascot Group welcomes new executives

Promotions serve as part of the firm’s continued growth

Reinsurance

By
Abigail Adriatico

Global specialty insurance firm Ascot Group Limited has announced the appointments of Ian Thompson and Justin Keith as new executives. Thompson is now the chief executive officer and director of Ascot Underwriting Limited while Keith will be the president and chief executive officer of Ascot Bermuda Limited.

“Throughout Ascot’s history, Ascot Underwriting Limited (AUL) has earned a reputation for underwriting excellence and market leadership. Our vision for the Ascot Group’s future, including our multi-year strategic plans, will require increased investment in and continued profitable growth from our leading and flagship syndicate,” said group chief executive officer and president Jonathan Zaffino.

“I am beyond confident that Ian and Justin are the leaders to help lead Ascot through the next phase of our organization’s journey,” he added.

Who is Ian Thompson?

Thompson first joined Ascot Bermuda as chief underwriting officer of casualty and specialty in 2017 before later becoming its president and CEO in December 2020. In that role, he monitored all of the firm’s business on the island, which included specialty insurance, reinsurance, and alternative capital.

With his appointment, Thompson will be replacing Zaffino and will be relocating to London from Bermuda. He will also continue to report to Zaffino and will continue to be a member of the global executive committee.

Who is Justin Keith?

First joining in 2017 as well, Keith slowly climbed the corporate ladder before eventually becoming the chief underwriting officer for casualty & specialty. Prior to this, Keith began his career in CNA Insurance as a senior underwriter. He then became the vice president of Ironshore Insurance before later being Hiscox’s vice president of specialty treaty and healthcare.

While his appointment is still subject to the board and immigration approval, Keith will be reporting to Zaffino and will be overseeing all of the aspects of the firm’s operations in Bermuda.

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