New Vacancy - CUO (Start Up MGA) | Property, Energy, Construction & Cargo
City of London

I am currently partnered exclusively with a business who are looking to launch a London based MGA and appoint a Chief Underwriting Officer to help them launch and grow.

My client is looking for someone with 20+ industry experience with a strong background in Underwriting and growing profitable portfolios in the above lines. They are already partnered with a MGA Incubator, but are looking for someone who can leverage contacts for capacity and for someone to help with setting up Underwriting guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the underwriting function and define the MGA's overall underwriting philosophy, risk appetite, and governance framework.
• Underwrite Property, Energy, Construction, and Cargo lines of business, with scope to expand into additional classes. May also underwrite Special Risks, supported by a demonstrated history of strong portfolio performance.
• Design and implement underwriting guidelines, pricing methodologies, and portfolio management processes.
• Partner with the MGA Incubator team to develop operational systems, workflows, and compliance frameworks.
• Secure and oversee underwriting capacity and reinsurance partnerships.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with brokers, reinsurers, and capacity providers across the London and international markets.
• Drive efforts to obtain Lloyd's approval for the MGA.
• Lead initiatives toward securing an AM Best rating.
• Represent the MGA in the London Market as the principal underwriting and strategic lead.
• Mentor and coordinate with the underwriting team who are based internationally.

Looking For

• Over 20 years of experience in the (re)insurance industry, with a strong underwriting background across Property, Energy, Construction, and Cargo lines. Special Risks may also be considered, supported by a proven long-term record of portfolio performance.
• Demonstrated expertise in the Lloyd's and international markets, ideally complemented by experience within an MGA or delegated authority environment.
• Proven ability to establish and lead underwriting operations, particularly during MGA or insurer start-up phases.
• Extensive network of broker and capacity relationships, with the capability to introduce an existing portfolio or client base.
• Comprehensive understanding of international markets and reinsurance structures, encompassing both Direct and Reinsurance business.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the capacity to act as the principal London-based executive within a start-up setting.