Senior appointments at HIVE Underwriting and Kingfisher Insurance signal continued investment in leadership and governance across the UK specialty insurance and broking market.
HIVE Underwriting Ltd has appointed James Lee (pictured, left) as a non-executive director, effective May 19, further bolstering its board.
Lee brings more than 40 years’ experience in the Lloyd’s market, including over two decades at Atrium Underwriters Ltd, where he served as agency managing director and group chief operations officer. During his time at Atrium he played a central role in the firm’s operational development and long-term performance, helping to build a scalable underwriting platform.
Away from executive roles, Lee has held a number of positions in the City of London. He has served as master of the Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers and continues to sit as a court member.
HIVE said the appointment reflects its focus on governance and leadership depth as it builds out its position as a multi-class specialty MGA.
Kingfisher Insurance has promoted Gareth Butler (pictured, right) to managing director, as the broker looks to support its growth plans and expand its specialist proposition.
Butler previously served as head of corporate risks at Kingfisher, where he was responsible for developing the firm’s commercial insurance offering. In his new role he will lead the business in identifying new opportunities, partnerships and sectors, as well as overseeing the delivery of products and service to new and existing clients.
The move is intended to support Kingfisher’s strategy to position itself as a leading UK specialist insurance broker, with an emphasis on traditional broking and personalised products for niche and specialist customers.
Butler has more than 35 years’ experience in the broking market, including senior roles at global firms. His previous positions include head of affinity and partnership propositions at PIB and chief broking officer at Aon, where he worked on the identification, development and distribution of commercial and personal lines products.
He has also run his own consultancy business, advising insurers on how to develop and leverage schemes and facilities and build sustainable, profitable partnerships with capacity providers and intermediaries.
