TMK promotes exec to CUO

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK), a provider of specialist and corporate insurance, has appointed Paul Culham as group chief underwriting officer (CUO) with effect from 1 April 2016.  Culham succeeds Richard Lewis, who has decided to step down from the role after more than 30 years with the business. As group CUO, Culham will lead the strategy and management of all TMK Group underwriting activities across its Lloyd's and company platforms, comprising a book of business with an annual gross written premium of £1.7 billion.  He brings nearly 30 years' experience in the insurance industry to the role having joined TMK through the Kiln graduate scheme in 1987. He became active underwriter of its marine & special risks division within Lloyd's syndicate 510 in 2007 and in 2011, active underwriter of the newly merged marine and enterprise risk division. Culham was appointed CUO of TMK's Lloyd's operation, Tokio Marine Kiln Group Syndicates Limited, in 2015, a position he will continue to hold.  Charles Franks, group chief executive officer of TMK, said: "Paul has proven to be an exceptional underwriter and leader since beginning his career with us nearly three decades ago. His experience of building a robust underwriting portfolio during times of change equips him perfectly for the challenges of his new role as we continue to strengthen collaboration between our specialist and corporate underwriting teams. "On behalf of the leadership team I would like to extend our thanks to Richard for his enormous contribution and steadfast commitment to the business during his career with us. He leaves TMK as both a colleague and a friend and we wish him every success for the future."