Global reinsurance firm Oak Re has announced the appointment of James Irvine as chief underwriting officer (CUO), property, a London-based role.
The executive will be joining the company in spring 2025, and report directly to Cathal Carr, chief executive officer and active underwriter of OAK syndicate 2843.
As CUO, Irvine will leverage his close to 20 years of experience to lead the development of OAK Re’s property offering, a cornerstone of the company’s growth and leadership strategy.
He began his career at Guy Carpenter, where he was fundamental in building the company’s treaty portfolio. He later advanced to become group chief underwriting officer, reinsurance.
Following his time at Guy Carpenter, Irvine joined Lancashire in 2010, where he oversaw underwriting operations across both Bermuda and Lloyd’s.
Cathal Carr said: “OAK Re’s vision is to establish a leading global reinsurance franchise at Lloyd’s, driven by industry-leading talent, underpinned by cutting-edge risk insights, and backed by long-term investors. Appointing James reflects this vision: it is another important step in continuing to build a team that leads from the front as the business grows.”
In November 2024, OAK Re’s Lloyd’s Syndicate 2843 was granted permission to underwrite business incepting from January 1, 2025. This followed its ‘in principle’ approval received in September 2024.
Syndicate 2843 was founded in collaboration with blue chip capital providers, including Bain Capital and Hampden Agencies, the largest provider of private capital to Lloyd’s. Polo Managing Agency is also providing turnkey services.
OAK Re was founded by chief executive officer (CEO) and active underwriter of OAK Syndicate 2843, Cathal Carr.
