Beazley CEO Horton leaves to take top role at QBE; triggers reshuffle

Specialist Lloyd's re/insurer Beazley's chief executive officer (CEO) Andrew Horton is leaving the company to become the group CEO of Australian carrier QBE Insurance Group. The move has resulted in a management reshuffle at Beazley.

Adrian Cox has been appointed as the new CEO of Beazley, effective from April 1. Cox has been with Beazley for 20 years, most recently as chief underwriting officer (CUO) and has over 25 years' of industry experience. He has been a member of the Beazley board since 2010.

Following Cox's appointment, Bethany Greenwood will become the interim CUO of long tail underwriting (cyber and executive risk and specialty lines) and Tim Turner will be the interim CUO of short tail underwriting (marine, market facilities, political, accident and contingency, property and treaty).

These responsibilities will be in addition to their current roles, whilst the company conducts the process to appoint a new CUO.

Horton will remain with Beazley until the end of March and is not expected to take up his new role until September 2021.

David Roberts, chairman of Beazley, said: "On behalf of the whole Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his leadership and outstanding contribution to Beazley, in particular as CEO, a position he has held since 2008. He has overseen the expansion of Beazley over this period, and leaves it in a strong position operationally and financially. We wish Andrew well in his new role."

He added: "We are pleased that Adrian Cox has agreed to become our new CEO. Adrian has an outstanding track record within Beazley, spending time in both the US and the UK, and the Board is confident that under his leadership, Beazley will continue to go from strength to strength. Adrian's appointment provides continuity in Beazley's leadership team and strategic direction. This ensures that we will continue delivering for our people, our clients and our shareholders in the years to come."

Cox commented: "I am delighted to be appointed CEO of Beazley. Our Group has a long and successful track record, built on the experience and expertise of our people, our innovation and a prudent approach to managing our balance sheet. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to build on our proven and successful business model in the years to come."

Horton said: "I have every confidence in Adrian as my successor and believe he is the best person to lead the Company going forward. Adrian is exceptionally well placed to undertake the role, having held a variety of positions during his tenure at the Company, providing him with the required depth and breadth of knowledge. I am pleased to be leaving the Group in such capable hands and I wish Adrian and the whole Beazley team all the best for the future."

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