Chaucer chair Chris Stooke to join Lloyd’s managing agency

Atrium Underwriters, the managing agent for Lloyd’s Syndicate 609, has appointed Chris Stooke as non-executive chairman with effect from 1 January 2021.

Stooke has extensive insurance and Lloyd’s experience, most recently in his role as chairman at Chaucer, and also as a non-executive director at NFU Mutual and as chief financial officer of Catlin Group.

Stooke will replace Steve Cook, who will retire from his position as non-executive chairman at the end of the year. Stooke will work closely alongside CEO Richard Harries and the board in the setting and execution of the Atrium strategy.

Harries commented: “We are delighted that we have been able to attract a candidate of the quality of Chris to chair our board. Chris’ extensive experience will help guide Atrium through the next part of its journey and build on the strong performance Atrium has achieved to date.

"I would also like to thank Steve Cook for his commitment and leadership at Atrium over the last 25 years, both in his role as CEO up to 2014 and latterly as Chairman of our board. Steve has played a fundamental part in the success of the business, being instrumental in establishing the team culture we enjoy today, successfully overseeing two changes in ownership and being very supportive to me and the other board members.”