Ariel Re launches Lloyd’s managing agency with ‘top-class’ team

Ariel Re has obtained approval from the Prudential Regulatory Authority, the Financial Conduct Authority and Lloyd’s to launch a managing agent at Lloyd’s of London and commence the new operation.

The new managing agency, Ariel Re Managing Agency (ARMA), will assume the management of Ariel Syndicate 1910 together with SPA 6117 from Argo Managing Agency.

Ariel Syndicate 1910 started underwriting in early 2008 and today Ariel Re employs almost 100 people worldwide.

Darren Lednor (Pictured Right) will be the managing director of ARMA. He has more than 25 years’ experience working in London and Bermuda in a career covering underwriting, broking, risk and actuarial roles. He was formerly chief underwriting officer of Neon Underwriting.

Mark Pickett, head of underwriting management in London, will assume the role of active underwriter of Syndicate 1910 and SPA 6117. Pickett, who has 15+ years’ experience in financial services, has previously held roles with JP Morgan, Lloyd’s and Argo Group.

Other ARMA team members include chief financial officer Anouchka Gokhool, chief actuary Jon Poolem, chief risk officer Rebecca Knowles, syndicate controller Martin Vincent and compliance officer Natalie Dick.

Gokhool has almost 20 years’ experience in the insurance market. She held senior roles at Catlin and Tokio Marine Kiln and was most recently director of Syndicate Finance for Hiscox.

Poolem has 20 years’ insurance expertise, including a prior spell with Ariel Re. Most recently, he served as chief actuary for Blenheim Underwriting.

Knowles joined Ariel Re in January this year with 15+ years’ experience in the insurance market. She most recently served as deputy chief risk officer of Asta Capital, having previously held senior roles in risk and capital modelling at Catlin/XL Catlin/AXA XL.

Vincent has worked in the insurance industry for almost 20 years and was most recently head of syndicate reporting for Hiscox.

Dick brings 25 years of experience to her role. Dick has gained a wealth of experience in compliance for a variety of companies including Amlin, Chubb, Ark, Barbican and Arch Insurance.

Ryan Mather (Pictured Left), chief executive officer of Ariel Re, said: “The establishment of a Managing Agency is a key milestone in Ariel Re being  a Premier Manager of Reinsurance Risk and the approval of ARMA further demonstrates our commitment to Lloyd’s .  

“Both ARMA and our managed syndicates will benefit from streamlined administration and efficiencies, as well as the ability to leverage the expertise and resources of the Ariel Re group.”

Darren added: “We have assembled a top-class team at ARMA and are confident that having our own Managing Agency will enable us to increase the efficiency of our Lloyd’s business as well as deepening our relationship with Lloyd’s and the London market generally.”

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