Hamilton enters new E&S business lines with Zurich/Berkley leaders

Hamilton Insurance Group has entered the US excess and surplus (E&S) energy and life science insurance markets with the hiring of Zurich and Berkley senior underwriters to lead the new business.

Ashly Turner (pictured right) will lead US energy insurance, while Steve Blackwell (pictured left) will lead US life sciences insurance at Hamilton Select Insurance, Hamilton's newly-launched E&S insurer with a Financial Strength Rating of A- from AM Best.

Turner joins Hamilton from Zurich North America where she held a senior underwriting role for energy casualty risks before which she was a team leader in the environmental unit at James River Insurance Company.

Blackwell comes to Hamilton having specialised in life sciences in his most recent two senior underwriting roles with Hanover Insurance Group and, more recently, Berkley Life Sciences.

Hamilton Select’s energy division will target small-to-midsize hard-to-place risks in the energy-related contracting, exploration and production, renewables (including solar and wind), and petrochemical manufacturing and distribution sectors. Coverages available include general liability (with pollution and professional options) and up to $5 million in supported or unsupported excess limits for US-based risks with up to $25 million revenues (exceptions made on a case-by-case basis).

The life Sciences division will be focused on a broad range of hard-to-place risks engaged in research and/or commerce in the medical device, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical & cosmetic, contract research, and healthcare IT industry. Coverage may include products liability (with errors & omissions (E&O) and other supplemental coverage options) on a primary or excess basis.

Clay Rhoades, CEO of Hamilton Select, said: "It’s been a thrilling experience for everyone on our team to build a new US E&S insurer and our hard work is coming together to build a specialty market of choice for hard-to-place accounts. I’m excited to welcome Ashly and Steve’s underwriting expertise to our already impressive team. The current market continues to offer plenty of opportunity for smart players.”

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