Acappella boosts MGA business by hiring two former Dual execs

Acappella Group, the UK-based holding company funded by Willis and Ironshore, has appointed Liz Hanlon and Paul Russell to join its managing general agent (MGA) platform AAL.

Hanlon will take on the position of chairman and Russell as chief underwriting officer. The duo will be responsible for launching an MGA business specialising in a diverse financial lines book of business.

Hanlon and Russell have over 50 years of combined experience in the insurance market, having most recently built and led the financial lines book of business at Dual.

David Thomas, Acappella Group’s chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Liz and Paul to AAL as part of our strategy to build out a diversified book of business through this MGA platform. Their wealth of expertise in the London market and entrepreneurial spirit will add significant value to drive the business forward.”

Hanlon added: “While we are sad at leaving a successful and well-established MGA like Dual, we are both very excited at the opportunity AAL provides us to be part of the continued growth of its MGA platform.”