Asta announces board appointments

Asta, a third-party MGA at Lloyd’s, has appointed Seema Bradbury as chief risk officer (CRO) and Liz Catchpole as an independent non-executive director and chair of its audit committee.

The latest appointments follow several changes made to the Asta board late last year in line with long-term succession planning. 

Chief risk officer

Bradbury, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role at Asta, having spent over 20 years in the London market. She joins Asta from AXIS, where she was the group risk director and CRO. Previously, she has held various roles in the Lloyd’s and London market, including at Lloyd’s, Beazley, ArgoGlobal, and Miller.

As the new CRO of Asta, Bradbury will join the executive team, with specific responsibility for the leadership and development of the risk management function.

Dual role

Catchpole is a certified chartered accountant with over 20 years of executive board level experience gained mainly in insurance, outsourcing, and property sectors. She is also an:

• independent non-executive director and audit chair at Investec Wealth and Investment;
• independent non-executive director, senior independent director, and audit chair of GBG plc; and
• independent chairman of TP Bennett.

Previously, Catchpole was the non-executive director and chair of audit at British Gas Insurance and British Gas Services.

Catchpole joined Asta’s board in January 2023 and, subject to regulatory approval, will take on the role of chair of the audit committee. She will replace the current audit committee chair, Andrew Hubbard, who has held the role for nine years.

Asta chief executive officer Lorraine Harfitt has welcomed the new board changes.

“We are delighted to welcome both Seema and Liz to Asta.  Seema will be a fantastic addition to the executive team. Her excellent leadership skills, expertise in risk management, [and] her recent involvement in culture and ESG initiatives will be of immense value to both us and our clients,” she said. “Liz will also be a great addition to the board. She is a highly experienced non-executive director, and her fresh external perspective and advisory capabilities will prove invaluable to the business. Following a number of board changes made last year, these appointments will add further strength as we look to continue to grow and develop Asta.”