Travelers lures 16-year WTW veteran to help expand business in Europe

Property/casualty insurer  Travelers has brought in a 16-year WTW veteran to help expand its business in Europe, where it operates in both the general insurance market and through Lloyd’s.

Peter McConnell has joined Travelers Europe as chief financial officer, succeeding Mike Gent. McConnell will report to Matthew Wilson, chief executive officer of Travelers Europe, and oversee the financial management of Travelers’ European operations. He will also assume a position on the UK subsidiary’s board of directors, subject to regulatory approval.

McConnell has more than two decades of industry experience including serving for the past 16 years in a variety of senior finance roles at WTW. Most recently, he was the global director of finance for the Risk and Broking segment. Before that, he held a number of senior roles supporting the company’s strategic growth priorities in specialty and retail businesses across the International and European geographies. McConnell began his career in the Insurance and Investment Management Assurance division of PwC.

“Peter is a proven leader with a distinguished track record in the insurance industry, and we’re pleased to have him join the team,” said Wilson. “With his significant expertise and years of experience in insurance brokerage, financial management and operations, Peter will no doubt be an asset as we continue to focus on our long-term growth ambitions.

“We would also like to thank Mike Gent for his service over the past 25 years,” Wilson added. “He helped us to expand our business in Europe while strategically positioning us for the future, and we wish him well in his next chapter.”

McConnell said: “As demonstrated by its strength and steady growth in the European market, Travelers truly has a differentiated client offering. It’s an honour to be joining Matthew and the rest of the leadership team at this exciting time in the company’s journey.”

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