The specialty insurance and financial services sector have seen a series of senior leadership appointments this week, spanning technology-driven platforms, underwriting, distribution and advisory roles.
Insurwave names new CEO
AI-driven exposure management platform Insurwave has appointed Adrian Morgan (pictured above, left) as chief executive officer, effective September 2025.
Morgan, who previously held leadership positions at Mission Underwriters, Coforge’s AdvantageGo, and DXC, takes on the role as the business expands its AI-powered platform for insurers, brokers, and corporates.
Morgan highlighted the platform’s capacity to provide real-time insights that help clients make faster, data-driven decisions. Insurwave currently tracks more than 100,000 assets globally and manages over $2.5 trillion in insured value. Chairman Shaun Crawford said the company is positioned to scale further, combining insurance expertise with digital innovation to strengthen its global footprint in specialty markets.
HDI UK & Ireland reshapes underwriting leadership
HDI UK & Ireland has announced new underwriting leadership roles as part of its alignment with the group’s global target operating model.
From October 1, Kate Sutcliffe (pictured above, centre), formerly director of property, becomes chief underwriting officer – short tail, with oversight of property, marine, engineering, risk engineering and the new Energy Hub.
Adam Curran (pictured above, right), previously director of underwriting – specialty, becomes chief underwriting officer – specialty, responsible for specialty lines including delegated authority. A search is underway for a chief underwriting officer – long tail to oversee liability, motor, and cyber.
HDI has also appointed Robert Dawes as regional head of property. CEO Stephanie Ogden said the changes will provide clearer leadership structure and ensure support for brokers and clients in achieving long-term profitable growth.
AXIS appoints Hosking to global markets distribution role
AXIS Capital has named Hannah Hosking as head of distribution for global markets, based in London.
Reporting to chief commercial officer Edward Ashby, Hosking will work closely with Global Markets leadership to strengthen broker partnerships and distribution strategy.
AEGIS London strengthens distribution strategy
AEGIS London has appointed Tom Squires (pictured immediately above) as head of distribution and digital trading.
Squires, who has led the syndicate’s digital trading division since 2019, will take on responsibility for both traditional and digital distribution, supported by Calum Williams as deputy head of digital trading.
The syndicate said the appointments align with its strategy to broaden broker and client relationships, simplify access to its capacity, and capture growth opportunities in specialty lines. CEO Alex Powell and CUO Matt Yeldham noted that underwriting excellence will remain central, but distribution must evolve alongside market changes.
Lazard hires Cotte to lead European insurance advisory
Lazard has appointed Cyrille Cotte (pictured immediately above) as managing director and head of insurance for its European Financial Institutions Group.
Based in London, Cotte will advise insurers and financial services firms on mergers, acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic initiatives across Europe.
Cotte joins from Evercore, where he was a partner and senior managing director, and has advised on major insurance transactions including Allianz’s acquisition of Viridium, Athora’s sale of its Irish Life business, and AXA’s acquisition of HSBC’s insurance operations in Asia and Latin America.
Lazard executives said his appointment will enhance the firm’s advisory capabilities in a sector facing rapid change and consolidation.
