Motive Partners, an investment firm focused on technology companies in the financial services industry, has announced that Stephen Catlin has been appointed as a member of its Global Advisory Council.
Catlin was the Founder and CEO of Catlin Group, the specialty insurance and reinsurance company that was acquired by XL Group Plc in 2015, and subsequently by AXA in 2018.
Catlin Group operated six underwriting hubs and more than 55 offices worldwide, as well as owning the largest syndicate at Lloyd’s of London.
More recently, Catlin announced his return to the specialty insurance and reinsurance industry with the launch of Convex, partnering with former XL Catlin colleague Paul Brand.
“As technology intersects with the insurance industry at lightening pace, there is a significant opportunity to create efficiencies and to improve the way we’ve done things historically,” said Catlin.
“The team at Motive Partners has a truly unique DNA, culture and deep industry expertise which I believe will be a huge asset for the industry,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to working with the team as they create value for the sectors and firms they work with.”
Rob Heyvaert, Founder & Managing Partner at Motive Partners, also commented: “We established the GAC to provide unique insight and intel in financial technology and adjacent industries.
“I am delighted that someone of Stephen’s experience and reputation within the insurance sector has joined the GAC, and we look forward to working closely together to support each other in the coming years.”
Alastair Lukies CBE, Founder & CEO of Pollinate and Vice-Chair of the Global Advisory Council at Motive Partners, further stated: “It is a huge honour to welcome Stephen to the Motive GAC. Stephen’s track record and reputation are second to none and his insights will help us embrace this increasing emphasis insurance leaders are putting on technology expertise.”
The Global Advisory Council was established in 2017 to provide strategic guidance to Motive Partners and its portfolio companies, and extend to connectivity across technology, financial services and investment management.
In addition to Catlin, the Council currently comprises: Douglas Flint, Chairman of Standard Life Aberdeen & former Group Chairman of HSBC; Rosemary Leith, Founding Director of the World Wide Web Foundation; Peter Leukert, Group CIO at Deutsche Telekom; and James Neary, Managing Director of Warburg Pincus.
It also includes: Henry Ritchotte, former Chief Operating Officer of Deutsche Bank; Lawrence H. Summers, 71st Secretary of the US Treasury; John W. Thompson, Chairman of Microsoft; Romesh Wadhwani, Chairman & CEO of Symphony Technology Group; and Paul Walker, former Co-Head of Technology at Goldman Sachs.
“Having such an experienced group of Advisors, now including Stephen, is a privilege but is also critical for us as we look to help define the next paradigm of the industries we work within,” said Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Principal & Head of Business Development at Motive Partners.
“As technology intersects and transforms insurance and financial services, bringing together deep operating expertise, technology, capital and the next generation of talent is an extremely powerful combination,” he remarked. “We are very excited about this potential at Motive Partners.”
Scott Kauffman, Founding Partner at Motive Partners, added: “At Motive Partners we are focused on both the digitalization and the use of data and information to enhance risk mgmt solutions, insurance distribution and efficiencies across the insurance value chain.
“We are truly excited about working with Stephen on such opportunities and the application of forward looking technologies to the industry.”
