Aspen Insurance appoints new group COO

Bermuda-based Aspen Insurance Holdings has appointed Richard Thornton to the newly-created position of group chief operating officer (COO).

Thornton will continue his responsibilities as group head of strategy, but will step down from his current role of group chief risk officer. The company will appoint the new group chief risk officer in 2017.

Thornton joined Aspen as group head of strategy in 2014, and was appointed group chief risk officer later in the same year.

Prior to Aspen, he was a partner at Oliver Wyman, leading its general insurance business in the UK and Europe. He has also worked as an economist in the Bank of England’s monetary analysis division.

Chris O’Kane, group chief executive officer, said: “In this new role, Richard will be responsible for leading our operational strategy across our business segments, platforms and our corporate functions.

“Richard will bring strategic vision, new ideas and strong momentum to ensure that our operational activities are developed further and are even more effectively aligned to support our underwriting teams globally.

“I am delighted that we have someone of Richard’s considerable ability and experience to take on this important role,” he added.