RSA confirms new London Market business leader

RSA UK and International has named Steve Watson as managing director of its London Market business, part of RSA commercial lines.

Watson has been leading the London Market business on an interim basis since August 2020, following the retirement of former head Gary Long.

Watson started his career at Eagle Star and has over 25 years of industry experience. He joined RSA in May 2019 as group casualty portfolio director. Prior to joining RSA, he was at Zurich where he has spent the majority of his career, latterly as head of technical underwriting in the UK.

Rob Gibbs, managing director of RSA commercial lines, said: “Our London Market business is on an exciting trajectory with underlying performance showing strong improvement, so it was important that we have the right person heading the team. Steve has done a magnificent job in the past few months and I couldn’t be happier that he’s now taking on the role permanently.”

Watson commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead our London Market business and for me it’s a real privilege to be able to work with such a talented, hard working and committed team of people.

“We head into 2021 in really good shape, with the hard work of the past 18 months now bearing fruit and – crucially – providing a set of firm foundations upon which to build repeatable success. A sharp focus on rock-solid consistency in delivery will ensure that we serve our customers and brokers well in the months ahead.”