Enstar appoints former Validus exec as new StarStone CEO

Global specialty insurer StarStone Group has appointed John Hendrickson as its new group chief executive officer.

Hendrickson succeeds Demian Smith, who resigned in September 2018 after eight years at the company. Smith’s resignation came shortly after StarStone’s parent company, Bermuda-based run-off specialist Enstar, revealed that it was no longer selling the specialty carrier.

Hendrickson most recently served as director of strategy, risk management and corporate development of Validus Group and as a member of the Validus board of directors until its acquisition by AIG in July 2018.

“In John, Enstar and Stone Point Capital have identified a proven industry veteran who provides immediate strong leadership and strategic direction to StarStone,” said Dominic Silvester, Enstar CEO. “StarStone remains a key part of the Enstar Group, and we are confident in John’s ability to optimise the business moving forward as a distinguished, multi-platform specialty insurer.”

Hendrickson said: “StarStone is at a pivotal point in its development, and I look forward to working with the team here to unlock the potential that exists for StarStone and our clients. Despite prevailing pricing, geopolitical and regulatory challenges, StarStone has good fundamentals and opportunities for profitable growth, and we will look to further solidify and advance our global offering while positioning the business for the future.”

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