Pioneer appoints new CEO from XL Catlin; chairman Taylor steps down

Pioneer Underwriters has appointed XL Catlin's Andrew McMellin as its new chief executive officer (CEO), and elevated current CEO Dane Douetil to chairman of the business.

The move follows the retirement of Max Taylor, who has been chairman of Pioneer since 2013. Taylor will retain a consultative role during the transition period.

McMellin joins Pioneer following a long career at XL Catlin, which he joined in 1999. He served most recently as CEO of UK & Ireland Insurance and was a longstanding member of the insurance leadership team and the Catlin group executive committee. His previous roles have included CEO of Catlin US, CEO of Catlin UK, deputy group chief underwriting officer, casualty product group leader and casualty class underwriter. He began his career in insurance as a broker at Willis in 1987.

“Pioneer has grown significantly since formation, launching a Lloyd’s syndicate at the beginning of the year and expanding both in scale and in the scope of its underwriting," Douetil said. "Max has been absolutely key in guiding the development of the business, and his industry expertise has been invaluable. The board and I thank him for his significant contribution.

"Appointing Andrew as CEO is a statement of intent, his considerable experience and proven leadership ability will be important as Pioneer continues to grow and develop its unique business proposition.”

Taylor said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the Pioneer story for six years. As we welcome our new CEO and embark on the next phase of our journey I feel that this is a good time to step down. I wish my colleagues every success.”

McMellin commented: “Pioneer already has an outstanding reputation, with market-leading specialists, an innovative product offering and long-term, strategic capital backing. I look forward to leading Pioneer on the path of smart, results-driven profitable growth.”

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