The UK insurance market continues to see a wave of strategic hires and structural changes as firms adapt to shifting client needs and evolving market conditions.
H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB), an independent brokerage operating across the North of England, the Scottish Borders and Wales, has appointed Tom Lawlor (pictured above, left) to the newly created position of broker manager.
The role is aimed at building stronger ties with insurers and enhancing the firm’s product and service offerings for clients.
Lawlor brings more than five years of experience in insurance, business development and sales. He joins from the Hedron Network, where he worked with independent brokers across the North and Scotland and supported insurer relationship management.
“Managing our insurer relationships is key to getting the best cover for our clients,” Lawlor said. “This role gives me the opportunity to help position H&H more prominently in the insurance market.”
His appointment is part of HHIB’s broader expansion strategy, which includes the recent opening of a new regional office in Kirkby Stephen, bringing its total to eight.
Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has announced new divisional directors as part of a leadership restructure in its UK and MENA region.
Three new underwriting divisions - marine & aviation, specialty, and property – have been created to align with evolving client and broker needs. Meghan Walker will lead marine & aviation, Mike Burle (pictured above, centre) will head specialty, and recruitment is underway for a property division lead.
Walker, who has been with Liberty for 13 years, previously led the aviation team and held broking roles at Aon and Lockton. Burle has experience across multiple specialty lines and continues as deputy active underwriter for Syndicate 4472. Dermot Walsh (pictured above, right), currently head of commercial property, will transition to the new role of director of UK Retail.
Liberty also announced changes within its Delegated Authority Practice (DAP), which remains under the leadership of Lewis Edwards. A new auto-follow segment will be introduced to support digital and algorithmic underwriting opportunities.
“These changes will help us deliver our strategic goals and align more closely with our brokers and clients,” said Luis Prato, president of LSM’s UK & MENA region. Chief underwriting officer Henry Nelson added that the restructure is part of rolling out an integrated business unit model to improve operational delivery and create clearer career paths within the organisation.
The International Underwriting Association (IUA) has announced several leadership changes as part of a strategic restructure under newly appointed chief executive Chris Jones.
Tom Hughes (pictured immediately above, left) has been named director of underwriting, while Joe Shaw (pictured immediately above, centre) steps into the role of director of claims. The move separates the responsibilities previously held by Jones and is intended to enhance the IUA’s technical support across the underwriting and claims lifecycle.
Jones said the changes will allow the IUA to provide more targeted assistance to its members. A key priority for Hughes will be setting up a network of chief underwriting officers to guide market collaboration, while Shaw will oversee the development of best practice guides for various lines of business.
In addition, Kim Darrington (pictured immediately above, right) has been promoted to director of market operations and transformation. With over two decades of industry experience, Darrington will lead the IUA’s efforts in market digitalisation and operational efficiency.
