Several major insurance firms have announced key appointments today.
Westfield Specialty International has appointed Sarah McNally (pictured top, left) as head of distribution, a newly created position reporting to chief underwriting officer Jeremy Shallow.
Based in London, McNally will direct the company’s product distribution strategy and broker engagement efforts, focusing on building relationships and identifying market channels for growth.
Shallow said McNally’s appointment supports a more coordinated approach to broker relationships, helping develop long-term connections across underwriting classes.
McNally joins Westfield from Zurich Insurance, where she spent more than a decade managing client and broker relationships.
MNK International has named James Gorsuch (pictured top, centre) as associate director of UK and international real estate. Gorsuch, who has held positions at Marsh, Lockton, and Inicio Risk Solutions, will lead reinsurance and wholesale service delivery to clients such as fund and asset managers.
“I am delighted to have joined MNK International at an ambitious time for the business where there is so much potential to grow reinsurance provision in the international real estate market,” said Gorsuch. “There are particular opportunities to deliver a wholesale insurance approach across our global portfolio, and I look forward to delivering flexible and innovative solutions to MNK’s diverse range of clients across the world.”
Manoj Kumar, chairman of MNK Group, said Gorsuch’s appointment aligns with the company’s efforts to enhance its global real estate capabilities.
Payment operations platform Diesta has appointed Piers Williams (pictured top, right) as chief revenue officer, overseeing sales, commercial strategy, and revenue operations.
Williams, who brings more than 10 years of experience in fintech and insurtech, joins the firm as it continues to develop its platform and international reach.
Williams said he looks forward to contributing to Diesta’s growth and collaborating with its global team.
“It’s a privilege to be working alongside such a talented team,” said Williams. “The company’s momentum is exceptional, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping the future of insurance premium payments.”
Optio Group has appointed Harald Teige (pictured immediately above) as head of coastal marine at S Insurance AS, an Optio company based in Oslo. Teige, who reports to chief underwriting officer Morten F. Basthus, has more than three decades of marine insurance experience.
Basthus said Teige’s knowledge and leadership would be valuable as the company continues to develop its marine portfolio across the Nordic and European markets.
“I look forward to contributing my experience to further strengthen and expand our coastal marine portfolio, delivering value to our clients and partners across the region,” said Teige.
Aon plc has announced two appointments within its UK operations.
Michelle Beverely has been named chief broking officer for commercial risk, while Lucy Gleeson assumes the role of head of products and facilities. Both will report to Rob Kemp, CEO of commercial risk for Aon UK.
Beverely will lead the broking strategy and relationships with insurers, while Gleeson, previously head of structured portfolio solutions, will guide product development and management of market facilities.
Kemp said the appointments represent Aon’s commitment to aligning broking activities with client needs and supporting leadership growth within the organisation.
In Paris, QBE has appointed Insaf Idelhaj (pictured immediately above) as senior manager for cyber services and risk engineering. Reporting to global head of cyber services Dominic Keller, Idelhaj will provide risk engineering support for underwriters and develop cyber services for clients.
Keller said Idelhaj’s technical experience will support QBE’s cyber risk engineering team as it continues to develop its services and insurance solutions for global customers.
“I’m equally delighted to see Lucy move into her new role and am confident that she will expand the products and facilities team to enhance our market capabilities whilst also deepening client relationships,” Keller added.
How do you think these leadership changes will influence the insurance industry in 2026?
