Arch bolsters Lloyd's arm with new leadership roles

Arch Insurance International, part of Bermuda-based re/insurer Arch Capital Group, has unveiled two senior promotions at Arch Syndicate 2012, which underwrites a diverse portfolio of business, including casualty, credit & political risk, energy, fine art & specie, healthcare, marine liability, property and terrorism, political violence and war.

James Croome has been promoted to active underwriter, while Marie Biggas has been named deputy active underwriter. Both positions are in addition to their existing underwriting management roles at Arch Insurance International.

In his new role, Croome will be responsible for leading all activities relating to Syndicate 2012, including performance management, strategic planning and liaising with Lloyd’s.

Biggas will work with Croome to deliver on Syndicate 2012’s strategic goals, further strengthen the Syndicate’s market standing and explore new opportunities for profitable growth.

Croome has over 15 years of insurance market experience. Prior to his promotion, he was vice president, fine art & specie and will maintain these responsibilities in his new position. Croome joined Arch in 2014 and before that was at QBE from 2005.

Biggas entered the insurance industry in 2008. Prior to this promotion, she was vice president, terrorism and political violence and will continue to operate in that capacity. Biggas joined Arch in 2014, having previously held underwriting positions at ACE Group, Chaucer Syndicates and Amlin.

Lino Leoni, chief underwriting officer of specialty, energy, marine and financial lines at Arch Insurance International, said: “We have put in place a very clear growth strategy for Syndicate 2012 to build on the considerable underwriting success achieved to date. Both James and Marie are exceptional underwriters who will drive forward this strategy in their new leadership roles. It is always gratifying to be able to promote those within our team and to be able to do so for these two critical roles is testament to the incredible talent that we have at every level within our organization.”

Hugh Sturgess, CEO, Arch Insurance International, added: “James and Marie are part of a talented underwriting team in our London operations, and I am delighted that they will now be leading one of the two Arch Syndicates. Arch has established ambitious goals for its Lloyd’s businesses, and I am confident that they will succeed despite the current challenging market conditions. James and Marie will also continue to lead their respective underwriting units with further support from their expanding teams.”