Fidelis reshuffles Ireland leadership as CEO/CUO Lyons departs

Bermuda-based Fidelis Insurance has appointed Robert Kelly to the post of chief executive officer and Simon Crone to chief underwriting officer of Fidelis Insurance Ireland DAC (FIID).

The executives replace Colm Lyons, the departing CEO and CUO of FIID. Fidelis Ireland was established under Lyons' leadership in October 2018 to take advantage of opportunities in the European Economic Area (EEA) after Brexit.

Crone joined Fidelis as a senior underwriter in 2019 from AmTrust, where he was the chief underwriting officer for the mortgage & credit division. He has over 20 years of experience in insurance in a variety of roles ranging from underwriting to operations to project management.

Kelly joined Fidelis in 2018 having previously worked at PartnerRe Ireland Insurance DAC where he was chief financial officer, head of external reporting Europe and Group IFRS.

“Both Simon and Rob have proven their business acumen and expertise since joining Fidelis, and I am pleased to confirm their appointments to these roles," said Richard Brindle, chairman and group CEO & group CUO of Fidelis. "I’d also like to thank Colm Lyons, departing Chief Executive Officer & Chief Underwriting Officer of FIID, for the successful establishment of our Dublin office, and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

Richard Coulson, UK CUO and executive head of bespoke & specialty insurance, said: “Simon has proven himself to be a talented and innovative underwriter. I congratulate him on his appointment to this role and look forward to working with him to build out our European book of bespoke and specialty business.”

Kelly, CEO and CFO of FIID, added: “I am pleased to have Simon join me on the Board and look forward to working together to grow our continental business.”

Brindle commented: "Fidelis’ Dublin office provides certainty to our clients and brokers that we will continue to operate in the EEA irrespective of Brexit, and that there will be continuity of service on our agreements. This is an important part of our business strategy, ensuring that we can continue to grow our Continental book, particularly in specialty and bespoke insurance.”

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