There have been several new appointments across the insurance industry.
Specialty insurer and reinsurer IQUW has announced two senior promotions as part of its focus on underwriting governance, operational oversight and internal talent progression.
Phil Furlong (pictured above, left) has been promoted to the newly created position of head of technical underwriting and oversight. In this role, he will be responsible for underwriting governance and technical standards across the organisation, in addition to leading IQUW’s claims function. Furlong will report to Group CEO Peter Bilsby.
Meanwhile, Mark McDonach (pictured above, centre) has been appointed head of marine, energy and aviation, replacing Furlong. McDonach joined IQUW in 2022 as lead underwriting and will now be responsible for underwriting strategy across those lines. He will report to active underwriter Steven Tebbutt.
IQUW said the appointments support its broader strategy to strengthen underwriting performance and claims capabilities. The business reported a 22% year-on-year increase in gross written premiums in 2024, reaching US$1.1 billion. It also recorded a combined operating ratio of 83.3% and was awarded the Outstanding Underwriting Service Quality Marque by Gracechurch in 2025.
In a separate announcement, Volante Global has appointed Peter Montanaro (pictured above, right) as a non-executive director, effective July 1, 2025.
Subject to regulatory approval, Montanaro will also chair Volante International Limited (VIL), the group’s UK-based FCA-regulated MGA and Lloyd’s approved service company. He will join the Volante Global group board and work alongside chair and interim CEO Martin Reith.
Montanaro brings extensive experience from Lloyd’s of London, where he most recently served as market oversight director. In that role, he was responsible for performance and prudential oversight across the market and chaired the Capital Planning Group, which reviews and approves syndicate business plans and capital requirements.
Since joining Lloyd’s in 2002, Montanaro has held a number of leadership roles, including head of reinsurance and head of delegated authorities. Volante said his appointment will support the group’s strategy for disciplined growth across its syndicate and MGA operations.
Montanaro said he looked forward to contributing to the development of the business, highlighting the firm’s plans for continued expansion and its focus on sustainable growth.
