H.W. Kaufman Group has announced the upcoming launch of RB Jones Global, a new managing general agent (MGA) set to operate internationally.
Ed Kelly will join Kaufman on September 4 to lead the business, which will initially target clients in the credit, energy, and construction markets.
Kaufman has also appointed Helen Jones-Bak as chief financial officer for its international operations, effective September 1. Both executives will be based in London and report to Kaufman International chief executive Paul Greensmith (pictured above).
Kelly most recently served as North America head of specialty and global head of credit lines at AIG, having begun his tenure there as head of the political risk group for the UK and Europe before moving into a global role. He previously worked in investment banking at Credit Suisse.
Jones-Bak was most recently CFO at Ascot Underwriting and has more than 25 years’ experience in the London insurance market. She also chaired the Lloyd’s Market Association Finance Committee until recently.
Greensmith said the launch of RB Jones Global and the appointments of Kelly and Jones-Bak demonstrate the company’s commitment to long-term growth in international markets.
“Launching RB Jones Global and the addition of such respected professionals signals how committed we are to driving long term and sustainable growth,” Greensmith said.
The development follows a broader restructuring announced last month, in which Kaufman consolidated its non-North American operations into two main units: Burns & Wilcox for broking activities and RB Jones for specialty underwriting.
This restructure included the rebranding of several international businesses. Burns & Wilcox UK, Node International, and Chesterfield Insurance Brokers were brought together under the Burns & Wilcox Global Solutions and RB Jones UK brands.
The changes also involved a relocation into new premises at 30 St Mary Axe, commonly known as The Gherkin, in London’s financial district. RB Jones UK now underwrites a wide range of lines, including specialty, health, hospitality, logistics, professional indemnity, retail, sports and leisure, and terrorism.
The group’s UAE operations have been rebranded as Burns & Wilcox MENA, while its Amsterdam business now operates as Burns & Wilcox Global Solutions Europe.
In addition to its latest moves, RB Jones has been expanding its capabilities in marine and energy. In 2022, the business acquired the Smart Cargo operation from Corvus, a specialist in ocean cargo for small and medium-sized enterprises.
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