A series of senior leadership changes have been announced across the insurance and reinsurance market, spanning carrier, broking and industry body roles.
Recent moves at Aviva, Sompo, Marsh Risk, Tokio Marine Kiln and the International Underwriting Association (IUA) highlight ongoing demand for experienced executives in technology, underwriting, portfolio solutions and market advocacy.
Aviva names group information chief
Aviva has appointed Chris Cochrane (pictured, left) as group chief information officer, effective from summer 2026, subject to any relevant approvals. He will join from M&G, where he is currently group chief information technology officer, and will succeed John Cummings, who is retiring.
Cochrane has held a series of senior technology leadership roles, including CIO of BT Global Services and CIO of Openreach Service Delivery prior to moving into financial services.
Commenting on his new role, Cochrane said that Aviva is “a company I admire hugely, and one which is performing strongly,” adding that he is looking forward to joining the leadership team and helping to support the group’s momentum across its insurance, wealth and retirement businesses.
Marsh Risk promotes Baker to lead UK portfolio solutions
Marsh Risk, a business of Marsh, has appointed Angela Baker (pictured, center) as UK Marsh portfolio solutions leader. The role is effective immediately.
In her new position, Baker will work closely with Marsh Risk’s UK industry leaders and specialty teams to develop and implement portfolio solutions designed to deliver optimal value to clients. A key focus will be the continued advancement of Fast Track, Marsh’s global quota share facility that is exclusive to the broker’s clients.
Baker brings more than 30 years of industry experience in risk consulting and insurance, including nearly 25 years with Marsh. She has worked across multiple business practices, managing multiline insurance programmes from strategy through to execution. Most recently, she served as head of analytics solutions and operational risk consulting in the UK.
The board of the International Underwriting Association (IUA) has added another senior London Market executive to its ranks with the appointment of Chris Beazley (pictured, right).
Beazley is chief commercial officer at SCOR Business Solutions and CEO of SCOR UK and SCOR Syndicate. He was appointed to the IUA board at its February meeting.
Beazley brings 25 years of industry experience, having worked for underwriting and broking firms in the UK, Switzerland, Singapore and the US. His previous leadership roles include a two‑year secondment as CEO of the London Market Group.
The IUA board is responsible for governing and overseeing the association’s work in seeking to secure an optimal trading environment for London insurance companies and comprises up to 20 senior executives from member firms.
Sompo installs Sompo UK CEO after Aspen deal
Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty re/insurance, has appointed Sarah Stanford as chief executive officer of Sompo UK, following the completion of its acquisition of Aspen.
Stanford, who had served as CEO, Aspen UK since March 2024, will now lead all of Sompo’s UK property and casualty insurance operations. Her appointment is effective immediately, subject to regulatory approval.
Stanford succeeds Bob Thaker, who will leave Sompo later this year to pursue other opportunities. Thaker will work with Stanford over the coming months to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Tokio Marine Kiln expands liability team
Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK) has appointed George Leahy (pictured immediately above) as an underwriter in its liability division. He will report to Oliver Delaney, who is departmental head of liability.
Leahy has eight years of casualty underwriting experience. He joins from Sompo International, where he specialised in international casualty business with a focus on heavy industries and oversaw the day-to-day management of mid-sized to major clients across Canada and Australia. Before that, he spent five years at Ascot Underwriting, developing expertise in construction, energy and mining risks across Canada, Australia, Europe and Latin America.
His arrival follows Delaney’s recent promotion to lead TMK’s liability division and represents another step in the company’s strategy to reinforce its market position in the class.
