Apollo Syndicate Management, the independent specialist insurer and reinsurer, has announced the appointment of Matt Newman as Group Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer.
Newman currently serves as Apollo’s Group Head of Casualty and Active Underwriter of Syndicate 1971, and will retain this role as he takes on his new responsibilities from April 8th.
As Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Newman will focus on supporting Apollo’s growth plans, and on its innovation and partnership initiatives.
He will work closely with Group CEO David Ibeson, James Slaughter, who joined recently as Group Chief Underwriting Officer, and the rest of the executive team.
In addition, Apollo announced that Luke Sanders has joined the company as Head of Strategic Projects, reporting to Chief of Staff Sally Peace.
He will support the executive leadership team in raising capital to support underwriting growth and manage the group’s ongoing strategic projects, Apollo explained.
Sanders was most recently Head of Innovation at Neon Underwriting and Head of Risk and Compliance at NCM Re (UK PCC), leading major transactions and advising on multiple capital raises and restructures. He also held a series of senior roles at Ascot Underwriting between 2011 and 2016.
“Strategic growth and innovation are already part of Apollo’s DNA and crucial to Apollo’s future profitability and sustainable growth,” said Ibeson.
“We are currently on track with a number of innovation and partnership development projects across all levels of the business. Matt has played a crucial role in leading on innovation within Apollo, exemplified by the ibott developments, and with his experience and understanding of the business will consolidate our key innovation programme and partnership initiatives in his new function. I’m very pleased to announce his appointment today,” Ibeson continued.
“I would also like to welcome Luke to Apollo. His expertise in both the Lloyd’s and capital markets will provide fantastic support and insights to the team. I look forward to working closely with him and we will continue to build and consolidate business partnerships to fuel our underwriting development and future ambitions.”
Newman also commented: “I am delighted to be able to lead Apollo’s strategic growth initiatives and continue to foster our strong and innovative culture. Our third party capital structure gives us a unique and powerful platform to create new, and strengthen existing, aligned partnerships. Our clients evolve and so do we, and I look forward to working with the team and maintaining Apollo’s position at the forefront of innovation and creativity in the global insurance market.”
