Aspen replaces CIO with ex-Zurich exec amid heightened market volatility

Bermuda-based re/insurer  Aspen Insurance Holdings has appointed a new group chief investment officer (CIO) as it seeks to "proactively" deliver positive investment returns amid an extended period of heightened market volatility.

Aileen Mathieson will take up the role of CIO from Bryan Astwood in November. She will be based in London, and join the group executive committee.

Mathieson has over 15 years of investment and financial experience and joins from Aberdeen Standard Investments where she was global head of insurance. Prior to this, she was CIO of UK Life for Zurich and during her career also held senior finance roles at Nucleus Financial Group plc, Standard Life Group, Diageo and EMI Music. She started her career at KPMG.

Following his retirement at CIO, Astwood will continue as an advisor to group executive chairman and CEO Mark Cloutier (pictured), and he will remain a director of Aspen Bermuda.

Cloutier said: “I am delighted that we are appointing an individual of Aileen’s calibre as our new Chief Investment Officer. During a time when we are seeing increased periods of heightened market volatility, it is important that we are managing our investment portfolio effectively and proactively to deliver positive investment returns, complementing our strategic focus on driving disciplined underwriting performance.

"Aileen brings an impressive track record in managing investments in the insurance sector and, with her excellent leadership experience and strong communication skills, I look forward to her being an active and engaged member of our executive team.”

Mathieson commented: “I’m excited to join Aspen; the opportunity to join a dynamic organization with strong momentum and a clear vision for its future was compelling. I look forward to working with Mark and his team to lead the investment function and to delivering positive returns for the Group while continuing to support the business’ ongoing balance sheet strength.”

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