Bermuda-based collateralised reinsurer Fergus Re has appointed Sharmini Samuels as its new Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO), effective January 1st, 2026.
This appointment follows that of Stewart Ritchie as Chief Executive Officer in October 2025, representing the reinsurer’s commitment towards continued investment in its capabilities.
In her new role, Samuels will work closely with Ash Noronha, Head of Business Strategy, to diversify the company’s reinsurance portfolio beyond the existing lines of business and distribution channels.
Samuels has over two decades of casualty underwriting experience and, until March 2025, served as the Deputy CUO of Convex Re.
She joined Convex from Hiscox Re in 2019 and was pivotal in the launch and management of Convex’s casualty treaty portfolio covering multiple lines of business.
Ritchie commented on the appointment, “We are delighted to have someone of Sharmini’s calibre join the team. Her extensive experience across multiple lines of business and ability to build relationships beyond our existing markets will be hugely valuable to Fergus Re’s profitable growth strategy.
“Her experience in building systems and processes will be invaluable in harnessing Fergus Re’s investment in a best-in-class reinsurance management database as we continue to build a scalable reinsurance platform.”
Samuels added, “I’m delighted to be joining Fergus Re at such an important time in the company’s history. With a sizeable inforce book and an exciting vision for growth, I am looking forward to using my experience to refine the company’s strategy, open new distribution channels and develop our inforce management capabilities.”
Fergus Re specialises in the reinsurance of primary-layer casualty risk and is known for its capital-efficient structures that provide institutional investors with direct exposure to insurance risk.
