DUAL adds C-suite power from top insurers to drive major growth in UK
DUAL, the specialist underwriting arm of Howden Group, has recruited three C-suite executives from Allianz, AXA and IQUW to drive significant expansion in the UK.
DUAL UK has appointed Catherine Dixon (pictured left) as chief underwriting officer, and Rob Corner (pictured centre) as chief distribution officer. Corner will join the business in May and Dixon in June, both reporting to Simon McGinn, CEO, DUAL UK. In January 2024, Catherine Farnworth (pictured right) joined as chief actuary, DUAL UK & Europe.
Farnworth was previously group chief risk officer at IQUW and held leadership roles at MS Amlin and MS Frontier Reinsurance after starting her career at PwC.
Dixon brings over 30 years’ experience in the commercial SME & mid-corporate insurance sector, most recently as CUO of Allianz’s Commercial business in the UK.
Corner has over 10 year’s industry experience including nine years at Allianz and, most recently, was a regional director for AXA.
DUAL said these appointments are designed to further strengthen the UK leadership team as the business positions itself to drive significant expansion in the UK.
McGinn said: “I am absolutely delighted to be welcoming the three of them to the already strong UK leadership team. DUAL has been on a significant growth journey in our home market, both organically and through bringing in new teams, and we have plans to do so much more in 2024 and beyond.
“Catherine Farnworth’s focus is to further build out our actuarial capabilities in the UK and Europe, with a focus on pricing and underwriting profitability. She is part of both the UK and Europe leadership teams.
“The new role of Chief Distribution Officer is absolutely critical to our growth plans and Rob will be responsible for coordinating with our distribution partners and helping us grow into the retail market space as well as London Market, specialty and existing businesses. Catherine Dixon’s key areas of focus will be to ensure our underwriting, governance and approach to market reflect our position as a leading insurance provider. She will also work closely with our Group and regional CUOs aligning the UK with our wider group strategy.
“Catherine, Catherine and Rob bring fantastic relevant experience and complementary skills to the DUAL UK leadership team. We are now well positioned to drive our business forward in a way that not only supports our capacity providers, but that also continues to deliver great insurance solutions to our brokers and customers.”
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