The UK and international insurance and risk market has seen a series of senior appointments across specialist insurers, law firms, and brokers.
Bridgehaven appoints head of underwriting strategy
Bridgehaven Specialty UK Limited has named Jamie Wakeling as its new head of underwriting strategy.
Wakeling (pictured above, left) brings extensive experience from the London reinsurance market, most recently serving as group CUO at Ocean Re and previously holding leadership roles at Canopius for 20 years.
At Bridgehaven, Wakeling will drive strategic initiatives across the insurer’s UK, European, and international business, focusing on profitable underwriting opportunities and guiding complex reinsurance placements. CUO Paul Dilley said Wakeling’s multi-class and jurisdiction reinsurance expertise will strengthen the firm’s value proposition.
Wakeling commented that he was impressed by Bridgehaven’s hybrid insurance model and looks forward to supporting its growth with UK and global partners.
DAC Beachcroft strengthens global shipping practice
DAC Beachcroft (DACB) has appointed Helen Yiacoumis (pictured, right) to lead its global shipping practice.
With over 20 years of experience in the Greek shipping market, she previously held senior roles at NorthStandard and Skuld’s Piraeus office. Partners Simon Jackson and Wai Yue Loh noted her recruitment as a key step in expanding DACB’s shipping expertise to serve clients in major international markets.
HDI Global strengthens ESG risk solutions leadership
HDI Global has bolstered its ESG Risk Solutions division with three new executives: Chris Strong as head of ESG Risk Solutions (Manchester), Thordis Jensen as head of ESG Risk Solutions International (Cologne), and Ludovic Ruiller as head of ESG Solutions Europe (Paris).
The appointments support the international rollout of HDI’s ESG insurance products, which combine environmental coverage with social and governance extensions. Dr Mukadder Erdönmez highlighted ESG as a boardroom imperative, while Strong, Ruiller, and Jensen bring extensive experience in environmental liability, sustainable finance, and international markets.
Specialist Risk Group expands real estate and legal expertise
Specialist Risk Group (SRG) has enhanced its real estate, legal indemnities, and rights of light capability with the appointment of Mark Manwaring and his team.
Manwaring joins from Price Forbes and Aon, where he led complex real estate solutions. SRG CEO Neil Nimmo said the hires further strengthen the group’s specialist offerings, particularly in complex UK and international real estate projects.
Willis names head of sports
Willis, part of WTW, has appointed Louis Elwood as head of sports within its crisis management global specialty division.
Elwood brings 18 years of experience and will oversee strategic growth in sports and entertainment insurance globally. He reports to Ian Tomlin, head of accident & health, with Jo Holliday noting the appointment as part of Willis’ investment in the sector.
Blenheim Underwriting expands property team
Blenheim Underwriting has announced the appointments of Phil Lawson and Alex Hewlett as class underwriters, joining its delegated authority team in February 2026.
Both bring extensive experience from Scor Syndicate 2015. Group chairman Peter Scales highlighted that the hires continue Blenheim’s focus on attracting underwriters with proven track records to support portfolio growth.
