Several key insurance industry players have made notable leadership appointments.
Helix Underwriting Partners Ltd, a Bermuda-based managing general agent (MGA), has appointed Kevin Copeland (pictured above, left) to the newly-created role of chief financial officer.
Copeland, who brings over 25 years of experience in the reinsurance, insurance and investment sectors, will join the executive management team, effective April 1, 2025.
Most recently, Copeland was CFO at Our Kettle Inc., a technology-enabled property insurer, where he will remain a senior advisor and director of its Bermuda entities. He has also held key positions at James River Group holdings and Bermuda re/insurance entities owned by James River, Tokio Marine and Argo Group.
Nexus Underwriting, part of the Brown & Brown group, has appointed Ana Ortega Lamaignère (pictured above, right) as broker and partner manager for Spain in its European trade credit business. She brings substantial experience in banking and broking, having most recently served as sales manager at Coface Global Solutions in Spain.
Her appointment comes as Nexus seeks to strengthen its presence in the European trade credit market, responding to increased demand for tailored credit insurance solutions.
Polo Managing Agency has appointed Gordon Reid as operational and new business manager.
With over a decade of experience in the Lloyd’s market, Reid will play a key role in driving Polo’s strategic growth as the company continues to expand its footprint in the Lloyd’s insurance market.
Reid joins Polo from Lloyd’s, where he was head of account management, overseeing strategic relationships with managing agents. He also brings experience from roles at Beazley and GlaxoSmithKline. In his new role, Reid will support Polo’s operational and new business activities while enhancing communication with Lloyd’s and clients.
Global Aerospace has announced that Michael Bannon, its chief underwriting officer for Europe, will retire on June 30, 2025. Bannon, who has enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career in both broking and underwriting, has been with Global Aerospace since 2009.
Bannon’s retirement will see Gareth Howell, currently underwriting director at Global Aerospace, take over as chief underwriting officer for Europe. Howell, with over 23 years of experience in aviation insurance, expressed pride in succeeding Bannon and continuing the company’s legacy.
