Aspen swoops on MS Amlin for new group COO following departure

Aspen Insurance Holdings has hired MS Amlin group chief operating officer (COO) to replace Mike Cain who has decided to leave the company in early 2022.

Rob Houghton has been appointed as Aspen’s new group COO. Based in London, he will also join the group executive committee.

Houghton will take up the role on January 3, succeeding Cain ahead of his departure from Aspen in early 2022. In this role, Houghton will oversee Aspen’s group operations and IT strategy and work closely with the chief people and transformation officer and business line leaders to help deliver on Aspen’s group-wide transformation program.

Houghton joins from MS Amlin where he was group COO and, more recently, MS Amlin Business Services CEO. He has over 20 years of operations, IT and transformation experience across a range of sectors, including strong insurance experience. He has lived and operated on a global basis with recent experience across North America and Europe.

Mark Cloutier, executive chairman and group chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to have appointed Rob to succeed Mike as Group COO. In addition to strong expertise in managing operations and IT within the insurance sector, Rob has a proven track record in supporting and delivering change management projects, which will be highly relevant as we continue to drive positive, long-term, transformation at Aspen.

“At the same time, we’re pleased Mike is continuing with us until February to ensure a smooth handover. Mike has made a significant contribution to our business and been an invaluable source of advice and counsel, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Houghton commented: “ Aspen is a highly regarded business undertaking an ambitious transformation and the opportunity to become part of their journey is a compelling one. I look forward to getting started and working closely with Mark and the team.”

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