Pen Underwriting names new head of cyber

London-based managing general agent (MGA) Pen Underwriting has appointed Hamir Patel as its new head of cyber, succeeding Adrian Scott.

Scott became managing director of international & financial lines in February as part of the wider suite of internal promotions at executive-level.

Patel is currently head of insight & reserving. He joined the company four years ago having worked for Deloitte, Allianz and AIG and will report into Scott in his new role.

Scott said: “During his time with Pen, Hamir has shown himself to be a strong leader, excellent communicator and first-class manager of people. These qualities, alongside his technical insurance expertise and commercial acumen, stand him in great stead for taking the reins in what remains a key growth area for Pen.

“Our dedicated cyber practice – where the speed, efficiency and flexibility of our instant, intuitive, online quote & bind facility on Pen Central is driven and underpinned by our team of experienced specialist underwriters – continues to see strong broker demand. Hamir’s analytical mind and management strengths will ensure Pen presses on with devising and delivering cutting-edge developments to protect the fast-evolving digital risks of businesses. And it’s great to be able to once again turn to our internal ranks of talent to fill a strategic leadership position.”

Patel added: “When it comes to innovation in underwriting, it’s hard to think of an area more dynamic than cyber risk, with so much opportunity and challenge. I’m really looking forward to building on the fantastic foundations laid by Adrian with our team of cyber specialists, who are firmly focused on finding solutions and ways to transfer risk for our broker partners on behalf of their clients, whilst ensuring a strong underwriting result for our capacity partners.”