Barbican hires former Travelers underwriter

Barbican Insurance Group has appointed Julie Abbott, who has previously worked at Travelers, as a contingency and media underwriter.

She will report to James Winn, active underwriter, Special Purpose Syndicate 6113 and will be responsible for managing the firm’s film, contingency and entertainment portfolio.

Abbott brings 28 years of underwriting experience to the role, including 15 years in the contingency, film and entertainment sector. Most recently, she was a film and entertainment underwriter at ProSight Syndicate 1110, where she established a new account and team for film/media, contingency and commercial insurance for touring entertainers and events.

Prior to this, Abbott was the contingency practice leader, media and entertainment, at Travelers Insurance Company. She began her career in the contingency sector in 1999 at Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance as an assistant underwriting manager.

Winn said: “During her extensive career in the contingency, film and entertainment sector, Julie has proved not only her ability to grow and develop existing books of business, but also to achieve success by building new accounts and teams in this sector. Her breadth of experience and market insight will be of significant value to the ongoing expansion of our capabilities in this arena.”

Abbott added: “The film, contingency and media sector is a highly competitive one. Where Barbican stands apart is in its ability to go beyond the standard cancellation and abandonment of event, or non-appearance-type cover to offer a much more comprehensive product which extends to providing entertainment-related property and casualty insurance. We believe this is a particular attractive proposition in today’s market.”