Chris Cotterell, chair of cyber at Howden, has died, according to a LinkedIn post by David Rees, a broker at the firm.

Rees wrote that Cotterell was “a kind, outgoing and generous colleague whose impact on the insurance industry and on all of us who had the privilege to work with him – was profound.”

Cotterell began his insurance career in 1984 as a North American property broker and later contributed to establishing a financial institutions division at a major firm.

In 1998, Cotterell founded Safeonline, a move that coincided with the rise of eCommerce. He was also involved in the development of Ascent Underwriting. When Safeonline joined Howden in 2021, Cotterell led the transition and subsequently served as chair of cyber.

Rees noted that Cotterell’s leadership, industry knowledge, and approach to team management continued to influence those around him.

“Chris was remembered not only for his achievements, but for the way he made people feel: valued, supported and part of something meaningful,” Rees said.

More than a decade ago, Cotterell spoke with Insurance Business America on his career within the industry and the best piece of advice he ever received in his career.

“This same piece of advice has been passed on through generations of eminent Lloyd’s figures: ‘never lie.’ Embellish the truth, but never lie as you will never work in the market again if you get found out,” he said.

“If you get asked a question you don’t know the answer to, don’t make it up. Go and find out the answer and return with the correct information. Sounds simple, but in the heat of the moment, people can make mistakes,” Cotterell said.

Howden employees and others in the insurance sector are expressing condolences to Cotterell’s family, friends, and colleagues.

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