Agile Insurance Group today announced that David Hughes, formerly AXA XL’s head of marine hull and war for the UK and Lloyd’s, has joined as head of marine and as deputy active underwriter of Agile’s Lloyd’s syndicate – Agile Underwriting Services Syndicate AUS2427.
Hughes has spent more than 25 years in the marine market in London, Singapore and Hong Kong, and more recently served on the joint hull committee. In his new position he will continue to be based in London, and operates with a global mandate and a AUS$10m linesize.
This development follows the launch of Agile’s Australian property team as it continues to expand to support its syndicate business plans.
Agile is an Australian insurtech insurance group originally established as a Lloyd’s coverholder in 2015, with 60 staff based in Australia and the Phillippines and writing aviation, accident and health, casualty, construction, cyber, financial lines, marine, property, and retail travel.
It is known for its leading technological capability and digital distribution – its Powered-by-Agile platform provides brokers with instant access to quote-to-close functionality for simpler risks, freeing up the underwriter and the broker to spend more time on bespoke solutions for more complex client needs.
Agile’s May launch of its underwriting syndicate at Lloyd’s was followed by the approval of its Australian MGA as a syndicate service company and the establishment of additional operations in New Zealand.
David Hughes, said: “I am very excited to join Agile at such an interesting time to develop our marine offering, encompassing hull, cargo and specie. Our intention is to become a multi-region, top quartile partner to our clients and distribution channels, driven by servicing, innovation and claims excellence. The solutions, talent and aspirations at Agile really are an enticing prospect for me and our marine partners.”
Robin Barham, CEO of Agile, added: “We’re very pleased to get David on board – we’ve known each other for more than 20 years and worked together for a significant portion of that time, so we share a common cultural approach to underwriting. He’s a natural fit for our business – one that is established around generating true value for all stakeholders, and promoting the community value the insurance industry brings. David’s presence in London will enable him to represent Agile across all classes as he looks to build our marine offering.”
Mark Hunt, the syndicate’s active underwriter, said: “The addition of David to build and lead the marine proposition is another significant step forward for us as a business. David’s knowledge and professionalism is highly regarded in the London market, and his appointment continues our philosphy of attracting the very best people to represent us and become market leaders in each class.”