Chris Jones (pictured) has officially begun his term as chief executive of the International Underwriting Association (IUA), succeeding Dave Matcham, who stepped down after more than two decades leading the organisation.
Jones transitions into the leadership role following a long tenure as the IUA’s director of legal, underwriting and claims.
In a statement released on May 1, Jones outlined key priorities for his leadership, including a sharpened emphasis on strengthening underwriting and claims functions and a renewed examination of how emerging and systemic risks are addressed within the London company market.
“I am proud to take up the role of CEO of the IUA, an association that continues to grow and expand its leadership position within the company insurance market,” he said.
He said the IUA would maintain its focus on existing strategic themes – market modernisation, legal and regulatory support, and technical insight – while renewing its efforts to reinforce London’s competitive standing through deeper engagement with members on technical matters.
“We must not lose sight of the fact that London as a global hub lives or dies by its underwriting and claims expertise. We will bring that front and central to our operations by furthering our engagement with members on identifying and promoting technical excellence on key underwriting and claims issues by developing our research function and by looking at risk more holistically,” Jones said.
Jones also indicated a shift in the IUA’s operational culture, stating that the association should prioritise delivering results over procedural formality. He suggested that broadening participation in technical discussions beyond traditional committee frameworks will be a priority, particularly by involving emerging professionals across the market.
“With more than 1,000 committee participants, the base is strong – but we must find new ways to interact with and add value for our wider membership,” he said.
On the topic of risk, Jones said one of his first tasks would be to reassess how the association supports its members in navigating complex exposures.
“In terms of insurance topics, one of my initial priorities will be to reassess how the IUA approaches emerging and systemic risks. Rather than taking a siloed, class-specific view, we will explore a more integrated approach – one that helps our members understand, manage, and respond to the changing nature of risk, particularly where protection gaps are emerging for insurance buyers,” he said.
Coinciding with Jones’s appointment announced in March, the IUA has added three new members to its board:
The appointments were announced in April and come at a time when insurers and reinsurers operating in the London market face continued macroeconomic volatility, geopolitical risk, and evolving regulatory requirements.
The IUA said these board additions reflect a strategic intent to reinforce its representation and advocacy across the international market.
