SiriusPoint Appoint Stephen Smyth
SiriusPoint Ltd., a global specialty insurer and reinsurer, announced that it has appointed Stephen Smyth as Head of Marine in London.
A spokesperson said, “Mr Smyth, who joins SiriusPoint on October 16th, 2023, will also be the Active Underwriter for Syndicate 1945, subject to Lloyd’s approval.
“SiriusPoint underwrites marine insurance and reinsurance across its global platforms and is looking to expand its insurance book through its London branch and Lloyd’s Syndicate 1945. Mr Smyth, who brings over 30 years’ experience in UK marine insurance to SiriusPoint, will also support SiriusPoint’s Stockholm-based marine team as he develops the Company’s marine capabilities in the London and international markets.
“In his role Mr Smyth will bolster SiriusPoint’s International underwriting leadership to optimize performance within the syndicate’s existing portfolios and support the Group in delivering its growth and profitability targets. He will also be responsible for evaluating new business opportunities. Mr Smyth will report to Robert Harman, General Manager SiriusPoint London Branch, and CEO & Managing Director, Sirius International Managing Agency [SIMA].”
“I am very pleased to welcome Steve to the business,” said Mr Harman. “His experience and expertise will be a great asset as we focus on building out SiriusPoint’s marine underwriting specialism and develop our business in Syndicate 1945 and internationally.”
The spokesperson said, “The hire follows a number of senior appointments at SiriusPoint as the business builds capability in its areas of focus. These include Head of London US Casualty, David Rees; Global Head of Ceded Reinsurance, Habib Kattan; and Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer, Anthony Shapella, in addition to key appointments to its executive leadership team. SiriusPoint has also recently promoted a number of colleagues within its leadership team, including Tom Leonardo to Global Head of Accident & Health; Nestor Lopez to Chief Information & Technology Officer; and Anders Holm to Chief Actuary of SiriusPoint International. Tomais Gaughan has also be promoted to Head of Energy in London.”
Rob Gibbs, President & Chief Executive Officer, SiriusPoint International, added: “SiriusPoint’s Lloyd’s businesses, including Sirius International Managing Agency and Syndicate 1945, are vital elements to SiriusPoint’s overall business and its strategy to be a high-performing underwriter. We see Lloyd’s as core to our business and we’re very excited about the opportunities available to us in the London Market, and the contribution we can make in that space.”
“Steve has deep market experience and relationships that support our ambitions as a growing player in Cargo, Fine Art and Specie across our London, International and global platforms,” Mr Gibbs said. “He is an experienced leader and a strong cultural fit for SiriusPoint. I am delighted to welcome him to our business as we continue to seek out best-in-class underwriting talent to support our ambitious plans.”
The spokesperson said, “Mr Smyth joins SiriusPoint from Travelers, where he has built a profitable specialist insurance operation for UK marine risks as Managing Senior Underwriter of Marine. Prior to Travelers, Mr Smyth was the Head of UK Regional Marine and Head of Office at Beazley. He has previously held marine underwriting roles at Allianz, AIG and Commercial Union. Mr Smyth also served on the Joint Cargo Committee at Lloyd’s of London from 2001 to 2009 and was the UK market lead for Public/Private Partnership with NaVCIS Freight, [National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service], reporting into the National Police Chief’s Council.”
