Atrium has announced two senior appointments as part of its expansion across specialist underwriting classes.
The Lloyd’s specialty insurance group confirmed that Rob James (pictured above, left) will join its aviation team as an underwriter in Q1 2026, subject to completing his current contractual obligations. He will work alongside Bassel Matta, head of aviation, focusing on strengthening the company’s aviation portfolio.
James brings over 17 years of experience in the sector, having most recently served at Liberty Specialty Markets, where he oversaw the development of its all-risk and war aviation business. Before that, he spent 12 years in the aviation division at Tokio Marine Kiln.
“Rob’s appointment demonstrates our unwavering support for Aviation as a core class at Atrium. His strong record of successful business and product development, as well as strategic planning, will be invaluable as we continue to grow our market share,” Atrium head of aviation Bassel Matta said.
Atrium’s developments follow the announcement that US wholesale broker CRC Group had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Atrium Underwriting Group Ltd.
Under the terms of the deal, Atrium is expected to retain its name and continue to operate independently. The group wrote approximately US$1.3 billion in gross written premiums last year, reflecting its scale within the Lloyd’s market.
Separately, Atrium has also entered the weather and climate insurance market with the formation of a new underwriting team led by Dr Ed Byrns (pictured above, right).
The new unit will offer non-damage business interruption cover to large commercial clients for losses caused by non-catastrophic weather events, including variations in temperature, wind speed, or precipitation. The business will focus on data-driven underwriting supported by quantitative analysis to assess and manage complex weather-related risks.
Byrns joins from Brown & Brown and has held senior positions at Citadel and Louis Dreyfus. He has also served as chief technology and innovation officer at Munich Re Weather Group and co-founded Demex Group, an insurtech specialising in technology-enabled weather risk solutions. He will be supported by a team with expertise in weather risk management.
John Fowle, Atrium’s chief executive, said the appointment aligns with the company’s approach to addressing climate-related risks, which continue to influence the global risk landscape.
“The addition of Ed and his team enhances our ability to proactively address these complex challenges and ensure our clients are equipped with the protection they need,” Fowle said.
Alongside its new underwriting classes, Atrium has been expanding its digital capabilities. Earlier this year, the company promoted Adam Payne to deputy head of digital underwriting to enhance its AUGold quote-and-bind platform. The platform enables brokers to access, quote, and bind cover in selected lines of business.
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