Specialist Risk Investments Ltd, the specialist insurance intermediary group that owns Miles Smith and The Underwriting Exchange, is pleased to announce that it has appointed Warren Downey as CEO. Warren joins SRIL immediately from Jardine Lloyd Thompson where he spent the past 28 years, most recently as the CEO of its Global Private Client Business. He has held roles across specialist lines of business in the UK, Sweden and Asia.
Warren brings extensive industry and client experience and will lead SRIL in its mission to become one of the market leading, independent specialist brokers. SRIL plans to grow organically by investing in innovative new products, in its sales pipeline and talent, as well as leveraging SRIL’s relationships supported by appropriate acquisitions.
Warren’s appointment follows the acquisition of Miles Smith in January 2018 and The Underwriting Exchange in February 2019, by Pollen Street Capital.
Warren Downey said: “I am delighted to have joined SRIL at a key point in its development and when the demand for an independent specialist insurance broker of scale is clear. Miles Smith and The Underwriting Exchange are highly regarded for their ability to address the complex risks that companies face across a broad range of niche sectors. SRIL is well placed to bring together the fragmented specialist insurance broking market, with the financial and strategic support of our owner, Pollen Street Capital.”
Ian Gascoigne, member of the SRIL board and Pollen Street Capital Partner, added: “Warren has an excellent sector track record and has shown significant success in managing complex organisations and turnarounds. His leadership and fresh perspective will be invaluable to SRIL’s development and we are thrilled that he has joined as CEO to lead what is already an extremely strong team.”