Aon launches new alternative distribution platform under Pioneer active underwriter

Re/insurance has launched a new London-based platform to match insurance underwriting expertise with capacity provision through fronting, MGA, MGU and captive solutions.

The alternative distribution platform will be led by Graeme Rayner, who will join as its chief executive officer (CEO) on January 1, 2021.

Rayner has more than 30 years’ multi-class underwriting experience across Lloyd’s Syndicate, Company and MGA platforms. He was most recently group director of underwriting & active underwriter at Pioneer Underwriters, and previously chief underwriting officer & active underwriter at Mitsui Sumitomo Underwriting. Rayner also served as managing director of commercial insurance at QBE Ins (Europe), and has held senior positions at Zurich Re (UK) and Johnson and Higgins Insurance Brokers.

Aon said the new platform will encompass its existing global MGA & portfolio solutions businesses. Working with fronting structures and accessing capabilities from across the firm, it will make a broad range of risk capital available to Aon’s clients. The platform will also provide the necessary supporting infrastructure, licensing and servicing resources.

Nick Frankland, UK chief executive of Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions, said: “We are immensely fortunate to have someone of Graeme’s proven calibre joining the firm at such a moment of opportunity for the entrepreneurial underwriting model in London. His appointment and the creation of the Alternative Distribution platform reflect Aon’s commitment to meeting client needs and building a market-leading proposition in the MGA and third-party underwriting service sector.

"Through this initiative, Aon aims to facilitate and improve capital deployment in this area, at a time when the market is undergoing significant challenges and change that will create opportunities for appropriately aligned underwriting structures and organisations.”