Miller nabs key figure from Markel for ILS market expansion

Specialist re/insurance broker  Miller has tapped a Markel key figure, who helped launch retrocessional ILS fund Lodgepine Capital, to build out its capabilities in the insurance-linked securities market, as well as in Bermuda.

John Duda (pictured) joins  Miller as head of ILS development & capital management products.

His appointment continues  Miller's investment in the region and follows the launch of its Bermuda platform in March 2021 and subsequent hires, including Charlie Simpson as head of Bermuda and Erik Manning as head of ILS.

Duda comes from Markel, where he led the retrocessional portfolio management team and was a key figure in the launch of Lodgepine Capital Management, Markel’s retrocessional ILS fund. Prior to Markel, he was a portfolio manager for Logic Reinsurance in Toronto and held roles at Guy Carpenter, Benfield (then Aon Benfield) and Zurich Insurance Group.

In his new role, Duda will focus on developing  Miller's business in the Bermudian market.

Manning said: “John’s extensive experience in collateralised reinsurance and ILS fund management will transform  Miller's ability to service clients in Bermuda and around the world. John brings both strong technical capabilities and deep market relationships; we’re hugely excited to welcome him to the team and his appointment is testament to  Miller's ongoing investment in market-leading talent.”

Duda commented: “The opportunity to build out  Miller's offering in Bermuda is an incredibly exciting one. I’m pleased to join such a fast-growing team to work alongside genuinely passionate individuals to help accelerate  Miller's growth across the region.”

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