Ascot Promotes Thompson to CEO, Bermuda, as Berger Retires
Ascot announced the promotion of Ian Thompson to chief executive officer, Bermuda.
Thompson will assume leadership of Ascot’s multi-faceted business on the island, which includes specialty insurance, reinsurance and alternative capital capabilities underwritten from the group’s “A”-rated Bermudian platform. The appointment is subject to pending regulatory and immigration approval.
Ian Thompson
Thompson joined Ascot in 2017 as head of Casualty & Specialty, before promotion in 2020 to executive vice president and chief underwriting officer, Casualty & Specialty. He joined Ascot after almost a decade at Hiscox Re as head of Casualty & Specialty. Prior to moving to Bermuda, Thompson worked at Catlin, heading the Healthcare and Professional Lines practice in London. In his new role, he will report to Jonathan Zaffino, group president.
The promotion comes with the departure of John Berger who will retire at the beginning of March 2021 after three years helping to establish a market-leading presence in Bermuda. Berger will continue to advise and provide consultation to Ascot.
“Ian’s been instrumental in our efforts to thoughtfully expand our Bermuda operations, which now includes leading solutions across several major insurance and reinsurance classes,” commented Zaffino.
John Berger
“I also want to take the opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to John Berger for all he has done for Ascot. He’s had an impactful role in developing our Bermuda business, and I wish him a very happy retirement after a storied reinsurance career. We look forward to his continued advice and counsel in his new advisory capacity,” he added.
Source: Ascot
Mike Morrissey Retires As IIS President & Chief Executive Officer
The International Insurance Society and The Institutes have announced that Mike Morrissey will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer, after more than eleven years in the position.
After fifteen years as an active corporate member of the IIS, Mike was chosen to become its fifth CEO in early 2009. In addition to running ten of the IIS’ signature events, the Global Insurance Forum, he is responsible for numerous innovations, including the Global Insurance Stock Review, the Leaders of Tomorrow Program, the Vanguard Market Development Award, the Global Centers of Insurance Excellence and the Leadership Perspective: Global Pandemic webinar series.
The role of the IIS as the inclusive and diverse voice for the industry and all its stakeholders grew significantly under his leadership. Mike elevated the role of the IIS and the insurance industry with international institutions. Under his leadership the IIS became a founding supporting institution of the United Nations’ Principles for Sustainable Insurance, and the founding organization and Secretariat of the Insurance Development Forum, a public/private partnership led by the global insurance industry, the UN and the World Bank. The IDF was established to leverage the industry’s risk assessment and investing capabilities to enable the world’s most disaster-exposed governments, communities and populations enhance risk understanding and build resilience, and Mike has been a Steering Committee member since its inception.
Commenting on his decision, Morrissey said “It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this important organization during this challenging period. Now that the integration of the IIS affiliation with The Institutes is substantially complete, the timing is right for a leadership change to drive the next phase in the life of the IIS. I look forward to working with The Institutes and my successor as Special Advisor, to effect a smooth transition and ensure continuity, and I am confident that the IIS has a bright future.”
Peter Miller, President and CEO of The Institutes, said “Mike has made a significant contribution to both the IIS and risk management and insurance in general during his time as the CEO of the IIS. He has added expertise and experience to many issues on an international basis. A list of Mike’s accomplishments highlights the impact Mike has had. I am grateful for Mike’s stewardship of the IIS. In a changing world, the IIS will be an important resource to provide knowledge and perspective to those involved in risk management and insurance”.