Hyperion Insurance Group’s underwriting arm DUAL has appointed Mark Smith and Justin Ansell as corporate development director and UK M&A head, respectively.

Both key hires in London have more than two decades of industry experience – Smith in banking and Ansell in M&A insurance and corporate law. The former worked at Dresdner Kleinwort Benson for 16 years and at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods for half a decade. Ansell, on the other hand, was head of mergers & acquisitions insurance at Zurich.

“I am delighted to welcome Mark to the DUAL executive team,” said Richard Clapham, DUAL International chief underwriting officer and DUAL Europe chief executive. “Mark brings extensive experience in corporate finance with a particular focus on the insurance sector.

“DUAL’s investment into our operational platform means we are well placed for further international growth, and Mark’s expertise in this area will be invaluable.”

As for the other appointment, Clapham believes Ansell’s experience will strengthen DUAL’s position in the London M&A market and at the same time bring wider expertise to other related financial products.

“I am delighted to join such a dynamic business with a great reputation in the M&A market; I look forward to growing DUAL’s business in this growing sector,” commented Ansell, who will also be working closely with DUAL’s European M&A specialty and asset underwriting teams.

With annual gross written premiums of £628 million, DUAL claims to be the world’s largest underwriting agency and Lloyd’s of London’s biggest international coverholder. It is part of Hyperion, which operates in 39 countries and employs more than 3,500 people.


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