After more than a decade at Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), Henry Nelson has been appointed active underwriter, extending his responsibilities as chief underwriting officer (CUO) for the UK and Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Nelson’s appointment, which remains subject to regulatory approval, was announced by LSM, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group. He will continue to report directly to Luis Prato, president of UK and MENA, overseeing the underwriting portfolio of Syndicate 4472 alongside his existing role as CUO, which he took on in January this year.
Prato said Nelson’s leadership would guide the syndicate through future opportunities, noting that his dual role positions him to build on the company’s existing underwriting and operational structure.
"Henry’s appointment marks an exciting next chapter for us. His leadership will be central in steering Lloyd’s Syndicate 4472 through future opportunities,” said Prato. “As he continues in his position as CUO, he is uniquely positioned to build on our strong foundations and drive a successful service across our syndicate and underwriting teams.”
Nelson joined LSM in 2013 and has held several underwriting and management positions. His previous roles include chief of staff, head of portfolio management for London and Global Products, marine portfolio manager, and underwriter in the terrorism and war division. Before joining LSM, he spent two years at Aon Crisis Management as a broker for North American property and terrorism risks.
The move is consistent with LSM’s approach to developing leadership from within, as Nelson assumes responsibility for Lloyd’s Syndicate 4472 while working alongside Jane Warren, who is set to retire at the end of 2025.
Prato recognised Warren’s contribution during her six-year tenure, describing her as an influential figure in market initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and in supporting cultural development through her position on the Lloyd’s Council.
“We’d also like to sincerely thank Jane Warren for her outstanding service during her six years at Liberty. She has been an influential figure in the market: an outstanding sponsor of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Liberty and through her position on the Lloyd’s Council she has helped to drive cultural change in the market. She has created a robust platform as a strong technical underwriter and an inclusive workplace for Henry to propel our mission forward,” he said.
The leadership transition takes place as LSM implements structural changes in its UK and MENA operations. Last month, the company formed an integrated third-party division that merges its financial and professional (FinPro) and casualty portfolios. The alignment aims to connect underwriting divisions and products more closely with current market trends and client needs.
The appointment also comes at a time of differing regional growth rates. The MENA insurance market is projected to expand by about 6% in 2024, compared with an expected 1-2% increase in the UK market.
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