Several insurance and reinsurance firms have announced leadership changes and senior hires as part of efforts to strengthen operations and expand into key markets.
Prestige Underwriting has promoted Katy Peacock to head of home, product and governance. Peacock joined the company in 2015 and has more than 20 years of experience in personal lines underwriting.
In her new role, she will oversee the development and governance of the firm's home insurance portfolio. She will work alongside Charlotte Baker, now underwriting manager, and Emma Attfield, who has transitioned to product manager.
Peacock previously served as technical underwriting manager, where she managed the company's home insurance products across all regions. Her appointment follows the departure of Chris Duck, former head of property underwriting, who left in December 2025.
Allianz Partners has made four senior appointments within its health line of business. Giovanni di Meo has been named head of commercial, health & benefits, where he will lead sales strategy across Employee Benefits, Corporate IPMI, and Governmental segments globally.
Di Meo brings 15 years of international experience in life and health insurance. He joined Allianz from Generali in January 2020 and served as head of sales performance and steering for health and benefits from 2023 to 2025.
Liam Hughes, formerly chief commercial officer at Cigna International, has been appointed head of sales Europe, health & benefits. He has more than 30 years of experience in international B2B relationships.
Carl Downham takes on the role of head of sales Middle East & Africa, health & benefits, after 15 years with the company. Elke De Cauwer has been named head of sales steering, transformation and performance, bringing over 25 years of experience in global healthcare and insurance services.
MNK International, a Lloyd's of London broker, has appointed Jamie Illing as chief executive officer to lead its South African and Southern African market operations. Illing has more than 30 years of experience in insurance and reinsurance, with previous roles at Marsh, JLT Group, and Regent Insurance.
He is joined by Gerhard Raath as head of insurance & reinsurance broking and Paul Ray as business development director. The team will focus on sectors including renewable energy, mining, construction, and agriculture.
Cogent Hire has appointed Pete Griffiths to lead its recoveries function and Abi McSorley as business relationship manager.
Griffiths brings 25 years of experience, including roles at Direct Line Group and Hastings Direct. McSorley joins from Bridgetech and previously spent 13 years at Keoghs.
