Brit CEO steps aside to take indefinite leave of absence

Global specialty re/insurer  Brit has said that its group chief executive officer (CEO) Matthew Wilson (pictured) will be taking an indefinite leave of absence.

During this period, Martin Thompson will step in as interim group CEO, subject to regulatory approval.

The company cited health reasons for Wilson's indefinite leave of absence. Wilson assumed the role of CEO from Mark Cloutier in January 2017, having previously been the CEO of Brit Global Specialty. He joined Brit in 1999 and worked for Lloyd’s prior to that.

Thompson has held senior executive roles running commercial and specialty lines operations across the UK, Canada and Scandinavia. Prior to joining Fairfax ( Brit's parent company) as an executive officer in September 2021 he was president & CEO of RSA Canada. He was with RSA for over 20 years, having started his career with them in 1997. He is Chair of the Insurance Institute of Canada and an Associate of the CII.

Prem Watsa, Fairfax Financial Holdings' chairman and CEO, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Matthew Wilson and his family as he begins a program to fully regain his health. He has our full support during this challenging time, and we look forward to his return.

“In the meantime, we are fortunate to have Martin Thompson available to step into the role of CEO of Brit. Martin brings ample senior executive experience, most recently having served as CEO of RSA Canada. His interim appointment will minimize disruption to Brit and its related operations during Matthew’s absence.”

Did you get value from this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.