Victor Insurance Holdings, the world's largest managing general underwriter (MGU), today announced the promotion of Commercial Director John Stephenson to the position of Country Manager, UK.
Mr. Stephenson, who joined Victor Insurance UK, then named Bluefin Underwriting, in 2014, has more than 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry. He started his career with UK broker Helm Group, then spent seven years at Bluefin Insurance Services, where he held a number of positions before being appointed Commercial Director of Bluefin Underwriting in 2015.
Mr. Stephenson succeeds Paul Drake who, as previously announced, will retire in September.
The company also announced that Fred Willemze, currently President of Victor Continental Europe, will take up the newly-created role of Strategic Partnerships Director for Victor International. Mr. Willemze, who has spent 37 years in the insurance industry and is based in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, has led Victor’s Continental Europe business for the past two years. He previously held senior positions in companies such as XL, Mercer and Marsh. In his new role, he will be responsible for expanding Victor’s business with multi-national distribution partners, including large affinity partners and digital platforms.
Both Mr. Stephenson and Mr. Willemze will join the Victor International Executive Committee, and report directly to Anthony Stevens, President of Victor International.
Commenting on the appointments, Mr. Stevens said: “Both John and Fred are outstanding insurance professionals who will enable us to further drive Victor’s international growth ambitions in their new roles.
“We are very optimistic about the opportunities we see to expand and innovate our product range and distribution channels, as well as broadening our geographic reach, and John and Fred will play a vital role in delivering this success.
“I would like to thank Paul for his hard work and contributions to the success of Victor and wish him a happy retirement.”