Specialty re/insurer Canopius has appointed Andy Haste as its new Group Chairman, effective July 1, 2024, bringing extensive executive and non-executive experience to the role.
He will chair the Group Board as Canopius aims to achieve its future goals following its record-breaking results in 2023. Haste has had a notable career in financial services, marked by a consistent record of success.
His extensive insurance experience includes roles such as Group Chief Executive of RSA Insurance Group and CEO of AxA Sun Life. He also served as Senior Independent Director and Deputy Chairman of Lloyd’s from 2012 to 2021. Since March 2020, Haste has been the Chairman of Esure Group PLC.
Haste commented: “I am honoured to join Canopius as its Group Chair and excited to work closely with Neil and his management team, as well as my fellow Board members on the next stage of Canopius’ journey.”
“I would like to thank Michael for his service to Canopius over many years and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” further added Haste.
The new Chairman’s appointment follows a record-breaking year for Canopius in 2023, with growth and profitability across the UK, US & Bermuda, and APAC regions. The company reported profits after tax of $363 million and a 22% increase in Insurance Contract Written Premiums to $2.80 billion.
Haste will succeed Michael Watson, the current Canopius Group Chairman, who will step down but continue to support Canopius in an advisory role.
“It’s been my privilege to develop Canopius since its foundation in 2003 alongside great colleagues and supportive shareholders. Canopius has never been in better shape, and I have great confidence in Andy Haste and Neil Robertson’s leadership team to propel the business to new heights in the coming years,” said Michael Watson, outgoing Canopius Group Chairman.
Ben Langworthy, Canopius Shareholder Board Director and Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Europe at Centerbridge, Canopius Group’s majority shareholder, stated: “On behalf of the Canopius’s Shareholder Board, I am pleased to welcome Andy Haste. His seasoned industry expertise and stewardship will help Canopius in its next growth phase. We also wanted to thank Michael Watson for his dedication over the last 20 years at Canopius as Founder, CEO and most recently as non-executive Chairman making Canopius a leading global specialty player.”
Neil Robertson, Canopius Group CEO, further mentioned: “Andy will bring independence, gravitas, and a breadth of experience to our Board that will help shape the next chapter of the Canopius journey. Throughout Andy’s career he has forged a reputation as a strong leader who acts with conviction, and who has a proven track record. All qualities that I believe will serve Canopius well. I believe that the appointment of an individual of Andy’s stature in the industry, demonstrates our ambition for Canopius in the coming years and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
“We also express heartfelt thanks to Michael, who has been instrumental in building Canopius over the past two decades and has skilfully steered our Board for the last two years since I assumed the role of CEO. He will continue to work with Canopius as a trusted and valuable adviser to the Board as the business embarks on the next stage of its evolution.”
