Ariel Re's Rumball returns to broking with a key role at Willis Towers Watson

Charles Rumball, previously head of Specialty Reinsurance at Ariel Re, is to relocate to New York to assume the new role of head of speciality – North America for Willis Re, the reinsurance division of Willis Towers Watson.

Rumball, who is currently executive vice president of Willis Re’s specialty reinsurance division in Hamilton, Bermuda, will assume his new position from April 1. He has worked as a lead underwriter across the specialty classes, and is broadly experienced in portfolio and divisional P&L management, evaluation of strategic opportunities, and structuring and negotiating group hedging strategies.

He joined Ariel Re in 2006 from Guy Carpenter, where he was a reinsurance broker based in London and New York, after beginning his career in 2002.

Rumball will report in tandem to Donald Harrell, chief operating officer of Willis Re Specialty and Jeffrey Livingston, executive vice chairman, Willis Re North America.

Harrell said: “Clients increasingly make decisions on a local basis, so it is important to have an integrated speciality business within their own region. Because of that, Willis Re is investing to build out our North American speciality business structure with a broad focus, covering Inland Marine, Ocean Marine, Aviation, Energy and Retro. That makes Charlie, who has worked successfully in all the major specialty lines, the ideal person for the job.”

Livingston added: “Charlie will be a real asset for us in New York, and for our North American clients. He brings a wealth of experience and talent to our organization and I look forward to working with him and his associates to ensure our clients get the insight and advice they have come to expect from Willis Re.

Rumball commented: “I am really pleased to be returning to broking and to New York, where I can work hands-on with clients to help them achieve their diverse business goals. As the market for speciality reinsurances shifts, and clients face new challenges, I am excited about the opportunity to bring the resources of Willis Re and the global reinsurance market over to their side, and work in three-way partnerships to achieve the best possible outcomes.”