Castel Underwriting Agencies Limited, the club-style MGA formation platform, has announced the appointment of Bob Cowdell as its first independent Non-Executive Director (NED).
Cowdell is currently a NED with Thomas Miller Holdings Limited and with Real Estate Credit Investment Limited, and has previously held NED roles at XL Catlin.
He also has experience in advising Lloyd’s underwriters and re/insurance companies on achieving growth, both organically and through acquisition, and is a former Managing Director of RBS Global Banking and Markets, and was Head of Financials at Hoare Govett.
Cowdell’s appointment represents part of Castel’s plans to expand the range and scope of its underwriting cells, and to extend its growth across specialty lines markets.
Mark Birrell, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Castel, said: “Bob brings a wealth of experience to Castel. He has a recognised track record for contributing to building and transforming insurance businesses by successfully driving performance, business efficiency and management development.
“Bob’s appointment supports our continuing expansion and growth plans and is a further indication of our commitment to attracting and supporting the highest quality of talent in the market.”
Cowdell also commented: “Castel has created a successful operating model that enables underwriting talent to thrive and build profitable businesses. It has also built a strong reputation amongst capacity providers for understanding their needs and maximising the opportunities that MGAs can deliver in niche and specialty markets. I look forward to working with Mark and the team to sustain and build on this success.”
