Canopius swoops for cyber talent with CFC/Marsh/QBE/WTW pedigree

Lloyd’s global specialty re/insurer  Canopius has bolstered its cyber and technology division with an underwriting hire who brings London market experience from CFC, Marsh, QBE and WTW.

Lewis Gayle has been appointed as the cyber and technology underwriter. He will report to Michael Shen, head of cyber and technology, in London.

Gayle has five years of London market experience. He previously held underwriting and claims adjustment roles at CFC Underwriting. Before that, he was a claims advocate at Marsh, an assistant underwriter at QBE and a junior claims advocate at WTW.

Gayle’s appointment follows that of Isabel Finn as senior cyber threat intelligence analyst, and expands Canopius’ cyber division to 36 employees, including 10 new hires since the start of the year, up by 38% in over six months.

Canopius established a cyber incident management team (CIMT) in June, aiming to tackle the increasing challenges posed by cyber-attacks. The company launched the first digital asset custody product on the Lloyd’s Asia platform earlier this year, combining cyber, specie and crime expertise.

Shen said: “In Lewis we have a stellar addition to our cyber team, which continues to go from strength to strength. Evidenced by the top-quality talent that continues to join us, Canopius is fast becoming the home of choice for risk professionals at all stages of their career – which is true for every division of our business, but especially cyber, which has increased by 38% in the last 6 months. In an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape, Lewis’ expertise will fortify our delivery of the high-quality, expert technical service for which Canopius is known.”

Gayle commented: “The economic impact of cybercrime on businesses is on an upward trajectory and now more than ever, the industry needs to support clients with the right cyber risk mitigation strategies. Joining Canopius during this momentous period of growth is an exciting opportunity and I look forward to working in a team with such a depth of experience.”

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