Aegis London has announced the appointment of a new specie team led by Ian Seakens, Senior Underwriter, and supported by Ian Morton, Underwriter.
Reporting to John Chambers, Deputy Active Underwriter and Head of Specialty Lines, the team will be responsible for building a portfolio of specie business, including jewellers’ block, fine arts, general specie and motor material damage and theft.
Both underwriters join from Broadgate Syndicate where Ian Seakens was Underwriting Manager with responsibility for three portfolios of business: theft (incorporating fine arts, jewellers’ block and specie), bloodstock and livestock, and property schemes. Prior to Broadgate, in a career of more than 20 years in the insurance industry, he worked as an underwriter with Munich Re and Reliance National. He commenced his insurance career with brokers Minet and Jardine.
Ian Morton was Underwriter, Property Special Risks at Broadgate for six years, and previously held roles at Munich Re, HSBC Insurance Brokers and Reliance National. He commenced his career within the claims team of Willis Faber & Dumas.
Commenting on the new team, David Croom-Johnson, Active Underwriter, said: “Our move into specie is an extension of our careful diversification strategy which has already seen us add expertise in areas such as reinsurance treaty, contingency, accident and health and leisure.
“This is a niche class that has proven it can be profitable provided you have underwriters with a good understanding of the business. Both Ian Seaken and Ian Morton bring extensive experience in this class and I am confident will establish a profitable book for AEGIS London.”
