There’s a new man in charge at Specialist Risk Investments Ltd (SRIL).

The intermediary group, which includes specialist SME insurance broker Miles Smith and Lloyd’s broker The Underwriting Exchange (TUE), has snapped up Warren Downey from Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) to take on the role of chief executive effective immediately. Downey was with JLT for 28 years, most recently serving as CEO for global private client business.

“I am delighted to have joined SRIL at a key point in its development and when the demand for an independent specialist insurance broker of scale is clear,” stated Downey. “Miles Smith and The Underwriting Exchange are highly regarded for their ability to address the complex risks that companies face across a broad range of niche sectors.

“SRIL is well placed to bring together the fragmented specialist insurance broking market, with the financial and strategic support of our owner, Pollen Street Capital.”

Miles Smith became part of SRIL in 2018, and TUE earlier this year.

Commenting on the CEO appointment, SRIL board member and Pollen Street Capital partner Ian Gascoigne said: “Warren has an excellent sector track record and has shown significant success in managing complex organisations and turnarounds.

“His leadership and fresh perspective will be invaluable to SRIL’s development and we are thrilled that he has joined as CEO to lead what is already an extremely strong team.”