Ascot hires Marsh talent as chief commercial officer

Specialist re/insurer Ascot Group has appointed Marsh executive Andy Stirk as chief commercial officer, responsible for distribution, marketing and sales strategy across its North American businesses.

Based in New York, Stirk will work closely with Ascot's leadership team in the development and implementation of a distribution strategy across its Bermuda, US insurance and MGU platforms. Additionally, he will be responsible for client and broker development strategy, enhancing relationships with key trading partners and insureds, as well as developing new distribution avenues and business opportunities. He will report to group president Jonathan Zaffino.

Stirk joins from Marsh, where as managing director he was responsible for executing the North American growth strategy for Marsh and McLennan’s FINPRO Risk Practice, a specialised team of professionals with expertise in directors’ and officers’ liability (D&O), cyber/E&O insurance and other financial lines products including transactional risk insurance. Stirk has nearly two decades of experience in developing global client portfolios at Marsh and Aon.

Zaffino said: “As Ascot continues to expand, notably through increased product capabilities, Andy will provide excellent depth to our management team while promoting a seamless and efficient interface with our valued trading partners. His technical proficiency, market knowledge and extensive industry relationships, cultivated during time spent at leading brokerage organizations in New York and San Francisco, means he’ll be a significant asset in driving forward our client management and distribution strategies. I welcome Andy to Ascot and look forward to working closely with him.”

Stirk commented: “Ascot Group is a world class risk partner that I came to know trading in the London marketplace. Its diverse ecosystem of interconnected global insurance platforms, in conjunction with our exceptionally talented team of risk professionals, provides a solid foundation for the North American distribution strategy to accelerate in a market where capital choice is desired. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with Jonathan Zaffino and Andrew Brooks to build a preeminent specialty risk assumption organization unified in mission and strategy.”