Hiscox Names Watson CEO Of U.S. Operations

NU Online News Service, April 27, 3:30 p.m. EDT

Bermuda-based specialty underwriter Hiscox said that due to its recent expansion in the United States it has reorganized its corporate structure, placing all U.S. operations under one manager.

Richard Watson, who was managing director of Hiscox Global Markets, has been put in charge of all U.S. operations as chief executive officer of Hiscox U.S.A.

Ed Donnelly will continue as president and Robert Childs will remain chairman and chief underwriter officer, the company said.

Mr. Watson joined Hiscox in 1986 and has underwritten a variety of lines of business including political risks, property, marine, reinsurance, professional indemnity and specie.

Hiscox's Lloyd's operation will now focus purely on the London Market and as such the Global Markets business, as it was formerly known, will be renamed Hiscox London Market.

Russell Merrett was promoted to the role of managing director, Hiscox London Market. He joined Hiscox in 1997 as line underwriter for reinsurance. Since 2005 he has been divisional head of reinsurance, which Hiscox said is the largest business area by premium income.

Charles Dupplin has already assumed leadership for Hiscox Bermuda. Steve Langan will remain Managing Director of Hiscox U.K., and Steve Camm will continue as Managing Director of Hiscox Guernsey. Michael Gould will continue as acting managing director of Hiscox Europe.