Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM) has promoted Melanie O’Neill to the role of Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) in London, effective immediately.
Within her new role, O’Neill will hold responsibility for setting and delivering the underwriting strategy and annual underwriting plan for LSM’s London-based Commercial and Specialty business.
Previously Chief Underwriting Officer, Commercial, O’Neill assumes responsibility for the Specialty business from Mike Gosselin, who was recently named Global Leader, Energy & Transition Risk within Liberty Mutual’s Global Risk Solutions division.
In her new role, O’Neill will report to LSM Chief Underwriting Officer Rachel Conran.
Overall, O’Neill has over 30 years of experience in the London market. She has served in a variety of roles at LSM, having joined the firm in 2003 as Senior Underwriter before progressing to Head of Professional Lines, and subsequently Chief Underwriting Officer, Commercial.
O’Neill began her career in the industry working for broker Nelson, Hurst & Marsh, which became part of Lockton.
Addressing O’Neill’s promotion, Conran said: “We are excited to announce Mel’s expanded responsibilities within the LSM leadership. She has contributed exceptional underwriting expertise and strong leadership and will be able to build on her excellent track record in her new role. This move will allow us to continue to deliver exceptional value and service to our broking partners and coverholders.”
In December 2022, it was announced that Phil Hobbs, President and Managing Director of Liberty Specialty Markets, was elected as the new Chair of the International Underwriting Association (IUA).
