Ascent-Cove – the product of the merger between cyber and specialty lines managing general agent Ascent Underwriting and US construction-focused MGA Cove Programs – has recruited Paul Western as group chief underwriting officer.

Effective on October 07, the appointment will see Western make the switch from MS Amlin after 17 years with the firm. He most recently served as US casualty and specialty lines product lead.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Paul, who will join ahead of further exciting developments for Ascent and Cove,” commented group chief executive Kevin Hastings. “Paul has, for many years, been intricately involved in the vast majority of business classes we underwrite.

“At Amlin he was a committed supporter both of Ascent and Cove, backing our respective major product lines. His knowledge, skills, and reputation bring a game-changing additional layer of underwriting expertise to our business.”

Ascent-Cove said the incoming CUO, who brings more than three decades of industry experience, will play a key role in the direction, leadership, and management of the group’s underwriting and business lines.