The Lloyd's market and UK specialty insurance sector are starting 2026 with a wave of strategic appointments aimed at enhancing underwriting, claims, finance, risk and international distribution capabilities.
Lloyd's Market Association appoints underwriting director
The Lloyd's Market Association (LMA) has announced the appointment of Matthew Bellamy (pictured) as underwriting director, reporting to chief executive officer Sheila Cameron.
Bellamy will lead the LMA's underwriting team, providing technical support to members, managing agents and the broader Lloyd's marekt. He joins from Ki Syndicate 1618, where he was chief underwriting officer and active underwriter. He also previously held senior positions, including director of underwriting and deputy UK CUP at the Fidelis Partnership.
Cameron described Bellamy’s appointment as integral to delivering a better market for underwriters, while Bellamy highlighted his focus on helping the LMA shape, structure, and analyse new underwriting models as the market evolves.
QBE strengthens claims leadership
International insurer QBE has promoted Chris Reidy to head of core claims and James Villiers to head of complex claims for European operations. Both report to Mike East, who is claims director.
Reidy has nearly 20 years of experience with QBE, most recently managing its complex property, casualty, motor and health claims. Meanwhile, Villiers brings two decades of complex claims expertise, having managed Complex Marine and Energy Claims for the past seven years.
In a newly created role, Scott Jacobs becomes head of claims transformation, focusing on AI, automation and modernisation initiatives across the European claims operation. East emphasised that the appointments demonstrate QBE's commitment to innovation, modernised claims processes and consistent customer service.
AM Specialty appoints CFO and CRO
AM Specialty Insurance Company (UK) has named Kevin Stephenson as chief finance officer and Viren Patel as chief risk officer.
Stephenson has over 20 years of experience in finance across Lloyd's and global insurance markets, including senior roles at AXA XL and Marco Capital. Patel brings extensive experience in enterprise risk management, internal model validation and ESG compliance, having held senior risk roles at AEGIS London, Starr Companies and Lloyd's.
CEO Darren Powell said the appointments strengthen AM Specialty UK's financial and risk governance framework, supporting operational discipline, sustainable growth, and long-term partnerships within the specialty market.
Bridge Specialty International expands global leadership
Bridge Specialty International (BSI) has appointed Greg Ferguson as CEO of international distribution, a newly created role reporting to CEO Tim Coles.
Ferguson will drive growth outside the US, expand the group's international presence and recruit top talent. He previously held senior leadership roles at Ardonagh Specialty, Price Forbes and Howden.
Coles highlighted Ferguson’s deep market relationships as key to accelerating BSI’s international expansion, while Ferguson emphasised long-term partnerships with carriers and the delivery of tailored products to new markets.
