Apollo Syndicate Management (“Apollo”), the independent specialist insurer and reinsurer, today announced that Matt Newman, Apollo’s current group head of casualty and active underwriter of Syndicate 1971, has been appointed group chief strategy and innovation officer. Newman will retain his existing roles at Apollo, and will assume the new responsibilities effective from 8th April.
The newly created role of chief strategy and innovation officer is part of Apollo’s long-term growth plan. Newman will act as the focal point for innovation across Apollo. He will work closely with David Ibeson, group CEO, James Slaughter, who joined recently as group chief underwriting officer, and the rest of the executive team and focus on the execution of Apollo’s new and developing major growth, innovation and partnership initiatives.
Apollo also announced that Luke Sanders joins as head of strategic projects and reports to Sally Peace, chief of staff. He will support the executive leadership team in raising capital to underpin underwriting growth and manage the group’s ongoing strategic projects. Sanders was most recently head of innovation at Neon Underwriting and head of risk and compliance at NCM Re (UK PCC), leading major transactions and advising on multiple capital raises and restructures. He has also held a series of 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 said: “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.”