Cyber insurance provider Cowbell has announced significant enhancements to its underwriting capabilities through the appointment of new team members in the UK and the US.
Claud Bilbao, a seasoned underwriter with extensive experience in the cyber and technology insurance sector, has joined Cowbell as the UK Director of Underwriting.
Bilbao, who will report directly to Simon Hughes, General Manager for UK operations, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the company.
Previously serving as a Senior Underwriter at CNA, he was responsible for managing the London Specialty Cyber and Technology portfolios across both their Company and Lloyd’s platforms.
Bilbao played a vital role in the successful development and execution of CNA’s London strategy. Prior to that, he served as a US technology and cyber underwriter at CFC Underwriting, focusing on technology startups and SMEs in the US West Coast and Silicon Valley.
“I have witnessed firsthand the crucial role cyber insurance plays for both SMEs and large global enterprises. I am excited to leverage my international experience to support Cowbell’s growing UK team,” Bilbao said.
Matt Byrne, another experienced underwriter, has joined Cowbell as the Vice President of Tech E&O Underwriting.
With over eight years of underwriting experience in Cyber and Professional Lines, Byrne has worked with traditional carriers and MGAs, providing support to SMEs with risks ranging from small to multi-billion-dollar revenue.
In addition to his expertise in professional lines, Byrne has also worked on traditional Property & Casualty (P&C) lines, contributing to larger programs. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he will focus on cultivating retail and wholesale relationships across the US.
“I am thrilled to contribute to the company’s ongoing innovation efforts and deliver value to SMEs. I share Cowbell’s vision of bridging the insurability gap for SMEs and I am eager to utilize my skills to drive Cowbell’s mission forward,” Byrne said.
These key hires align with Cowbell’s continued corporate growth, which includes the recent appointment of Andrea Collins as the company’s first Chief Marketing Officer. Cowbell has also opened a new technology center in Pune, India, further expanding its global footprint. Additionally, Simon Hughes has been appointed as General Manager to spearhead Cowbell’s UK operations.
Trent Cooksley, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Cowbell, affirmed the company’s dedication to narrowing the insurability gap and making cyber insurance more accessible to SMEs globally.
“With their extensive underwriting experience in the cyber and technology insurance sector, Claud and Matt will play instrumental roles in helping us achieve this goal. They are valuable additions to our growing UK and US teams,” Cooksley stated.
