RSA hires Siemens exec to head commercial risk solutions

UK-based general insurer RSA has appointed James Gearey as managing director (MD) for its Commercial Risk Solutions (CRS) unit with effect from June 2017.

Gearey takes over the role from Jim Reeve, who is leaving the company at the end of June to pursue new opportunities. Reeve has held the position of interim MD of CRS since November 2016, when a new structure for commercial lines operations in the UK and international was put in place. He joined RSA as sales and distribution director in January 2015 and subsequently led the development of a unifying vision and purpose for CRS.

In his new role, Gearey will head the CRS business unit, reporting to UK and international CEO Steve Lewis.

Gearey joins RSA after spending nine years at Siemens Financial Services, most recently as chief executive of commercial finance UK and Nordics. Prior to that, he was the managing director of commercial finance UK at Siemens after joining from Aviva UK, where he was director of partnerships in the general insurance business.

"James is joining our newly-created CRS business with a remit to enhance our operating and distribution effectiveness," Lewis said. "He brings strong leadership and an impressive track record in managing commercial relationships and developing distribution channels, and I’m pleased to welcome him to RSA.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jim Reeve for his tremendous work during the past two years at RSA and in particular for his leadership of the CRS team since November. I wish him the very best for the future."

Gearey added: "I'm delighted to be joining CRS at this time, when it is early in its development having established a firm footing and with great teams in place. CRS is well-positioned to grow in a challenging market, with a strong underwriting proposition, and products and services that meet the needs of customers and brokers, and of course much scope to enhance and grow our offering."

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