Towergate to launch London underwriting centre

UK insurance intermediary Towergate has launched a London underwriting centre to be led by David Leathem as London director of underwriting.

The unit will focus on establishing and developing specialist London market product lines and will provide a unique entrepreneurial opportunity in the market for the very best underwriting capability.

Leathem joins Towergate from The Channel Syndicate where he was a founding partner and head of property for almost six years.

He will lead the establishment of a direct and facultative international property unit, which will operate alongside the casualty and liability unit following the appointments of John Marshall and Glenn Murphy with further lines to be added.

Adrian Brown, chief executive officer (CEO) of underwriting at Towergate, said: “The creation of a London Underwriting centre represents a genuine opportunity for us to build a leading position in the market, one which our broking customers are telling us is increasingly crucial to their own businesses. David is the first choice candidate to lead this charge and brings unrivalled market experience to the table.”

David Ross, Towergate CEO, added: “David Leathem is one of the most charismatic and formidable traders of his generation, with an unparalleled track record of building successful businesses. From early discussions, it was clear that his ambition matched ours; to build a specialised unit housing a varied and leading edge portfolio, fronted by the very best talent in the market.

David Leathem added: “There is no doubt that the team at Towergate has a fascinating and ambitious vision for the business. It’s the perfect home for launching a London underwriting operation, backed by long term investment.

“Opportunities like this, alongside a dynamic management team and unrivalled expert underwriters in several fields, don’t come along very often, so I am genuinely excited. I look forward to reconnecting with the underwriting, broking and risk management community, and to the task of launching this venture.”