Ascot poaches Navigators marine team to launch new unit

Bermuda-based specialist re/insurer Ascot Group has poached a US marine team from Navigators Group and launched a new US marine business on the back of this.

Its new unit will be led by Chris Piazza as executive vice president and head of US marine insurance. Piazza has spent the last 15 years with the Navigators Group, most recently serving as the national product line director for marine hull and liability.

Piazza has been joined by Tom Nasso, Dana Piazza, and Jim Gehrke all of whom also move from Navigators and join as senior vice presidents. They will complement the company’s existing Ascot marine underwriters Lou Gehrig, SVP, and Devin Lefebvre, VP.

The team will have underwriters in New York, Baltimore, and Houston and will be using Ascot’s admitted US paper.

Andrew Brooks, Ascot Group CEO, said: “The launch of this US marine business under Chris, combined with our established Lloyd’s marine team in London and Houston, will make Ascot Group a true leader in the global marine market.”

Greg Wolyniec, head of group strategy, added: “We are delighted to have Chris, Tom, Dana, and Jim put their trust in Ascot and join our team. They bring a well-recognized reputation for excellence in underwriting and service to brokers and clients, and will successfully launch a market leading marine business.”

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