Rising Edge, a London-based directors’ and officers’ (D&O) Managing General Agent (MGA), has announced its official launch and the appointment of four key hires.
As previously announced, Rising Edge will focus on D&O insurance and is led by Philippe Gouraud, a well-known industry executive in the London insurance market, and respected D&O expert Yoel Brightman.
Vantage Risk Ltd., the Bermuda-based Class 4 reinsurer will provide the “A-” rated reinsurance capacity. Accredited Insurance (Europe) Limited, a Randall & Quilter Group Company, also “A-” rated, will provide Rising Edge with the required insurance licenses to underwrite business.
“Today’s launch comes ahead of target and is a testament to our commitment to creating a best-in-class business,” said Philippe Gouraud, CEO at Rising Edge. “The support from both Vantage Risk and Accredited Insurance is a real marker of the robust business we have developed. I am also delighted to be able to announce senior and key hires. It is important that from Day One we have a client and broker focussed underwriting team, battle hardened talent to help our clients deal with complex D&O claims, and a top-class operational backbone to deliver best-in-class service to our brokers.
“Having delivered such an operational platform in such little time is a testament of the quality of our team and business partners. We now look forward to deliver best in class experience to our clients and brokers.”
“And to make this day a really great day, we are very pleased to report that the team has already responded to several quote requests from broker partners! Off to a flying start!”
Rising Edge has also announced the appointments of the following four key hires:
Miles Murphy takes on the role of Finance Director and Chief Operating Officer. Miles has more than 25 years’ insurance industry experience and will be responsible for all the financial and operational aspects of the business. Miles has been working with Rising Edge during the launch phase to design and develop a cutting edge and seamless end-to-end platform, delivering a first-class data-led service to our brokers and capacity providers. Miles joins from AIG Asia Pacific where his role was Head of Operations and Transformation Services. His appointment is effective immediately.
Owen Dacey has been appointed Head of Claims. Most recently Owen served as Claims Manager and Regional Practice Leader, Management Liability, at AXA XL. Owen is a qualified solicitor and D&O specialist with more than 10 years of experience managing high value complex D&O claims across the globe. Owen also has extensive experience of handling claims in the US, most notably with respect to US securities litigation. His appointment is effective September 1, 2021.
Eleanor Fisher has been appointed Underwriter and joins from Marsh London, where she was a Vice President and US wholesale broker working on financial lines, including D&O. Prior to Marsh, she was an underwriter in the Management Liability Team at AXA XL, and as Client Executive and Broker in the Management Liability Team at Marsh & McLennan. Her appointment will be effective over the next few weeks.
Jamie Banks joins as Underwriter from Travelers, where he served as Associate Underwriter in the Management Liability Team. Prior to Travelers, Jamie worked as Assistant Underwriter in the Management Liability Team at AXA XL. His appointment is effective June 1, 2021.
“As a new business, the calibre of these new hires confirms our dedication to underwriting excellence,” said Managing Director Yoel Brightman. “The appointment of Miles and Owen marks an important step in the launch of Rising Edge, bringing end-to-end credibility to our business offering. Their wealth of experience and knowledge will be invaluable to the team as we grow a business focussed on servicing the D&O insurance market to the highest level – for clients and for brokers.
“I have had the privilege of working with both Eleanor and Jamie in the past and have seen their talents first hand. They both exude genuine enthusiasm in their work, diligence in their underwriting and have enormous potential. I’m delighted they’re joining us.”
Authored by Rising Edge