Brit hires Marsh JLT digital strategy head for new Lloyd’s syndicate Ki

Specialty re/insurer Brit has hired senior Marsh JLT Specialty digital strategy head Dan Hearsum as managing director of its  newly-launched algorithmically-driven Lloyd’s of London syndicate Ki.

Ki, which is launching in 2021, is formed in collaboration with Google Cloud, and aims to "redefine the commercial insurance market."

In his new role, Hearsum will report into Mark Allan, and play a critical role in the management of Ki. He will be responsible for leading Ki’s commercial strategy, delivering its underwriting plan and driving its relationships with key trading partners.

Hearsum joins Ki from Marsh JLT Specialty, having led its UK specialty digital strategy, in addition to his role as head of placement for the specialty business in the UK. He has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, including in fostering digital transformation. Prior to Marsh, he was at Willis and started his career at C.E. Heath.

Allan, group CEO of Ki, said: “Dan’s commercial experience and market relationships, combined with his track record in fostering digital change, means he’s perfectly placed to play an important leadership role at Ki. We have been clear of our ambition for Ki to play a central role in redefining the commercial insurance market and bringing a new age of innovation and efficiency. Building out a strong team is crucial if we are to deliver this and I look forward to working closely with him as we move towards our launch.”

Hearsum commented: “Ki is a step-change for our industry, which has yet to experience the digital disruption of many other financial services sectors. I am delighted to be joining the team and I’m confident the broking community will be quick to embrace this new syndicate and the commercial benefits it will bring.”