Independent specialist (re)insurer, Apollo Syndicate Management has announced the appointment of Matt Newman as group chief strategy and innovation officer.
Currently serving as Apollo’s group head of casualty and active underwriter of Syndicate 1971, he will keep this role and take on his new responsibilities from 8 April 2021.
In his new position, Newman will focus on supporting Apollo’s growth plans, and its innovation and partnership initiatives.
He will work with David Ibeson, group CEO, James Slaughter, group chief underwriting officer and the rest of the executive team.
Additionally, Luke Sanders has been appointed as head of strategic projects, reporting to Sally Peace, chief of staff.
Apollo stated Sanders will be responsible for supporting the executive team in raising capital to support underwriting growth and manage the firm’s ongoing strategic projects.
He most recently served as head of innovation at Neon Underwriting and head of risk and compliance at NCM Re (UK PCC). He has also held various senior roles at Ascot Underwriting between 2011 and 2016.
Ibeson said: “Strategic growth and innovation are already part of Apollo’s DNA and crucial to Apollo’s future profitability and sustainable growth. We are currently on track with a number of innovation and partnership development projects across all levels of the business. Matt has played a crucial role in leading on innovation within Apollo, exemplified by the ibott developments, and with his experience and understanding of the business will consolidate our key innovation programme and partnership initiatives in his new function. I’m very pleased to announce his appointment today.
I would also like to welcome Luke to Apollo. His expertise in both the Lloyd’s and capital markets will provide fantastic support and insights to the team. I look forward to working closely with him and we will continue to build and consolidate business partnerships to fuel our underwriting development and future ambitions.”
Newman commented: “I am delighted to be able to lead Apollo’s strategic growth initiatives and continue to foster our strong and innovative culture. Our third party capital structure gives us a unique and powerful platform to create new, and strengthen existing, aligned partnerships. Our clients evolve and so do we, and I look forward to working with the team and maintaining Apollo’s position at the forefront of innovation and creativity in the global insurance market.”
