Ascent hires MS Amlin's Paul Western as CUO post Cove merger

London-based cyber and specialty lines managing general agent Ascent Underwriting and Cove Programs, a US construction-focused MGA, has appointed Paul Western as group chief underwriting officer (CUO).

The appointment follows Cove’s merger with Ascent in March.

Western joins from MS Amlin where he served for 17 years, most recently as US casualty and specialty lines product lead, having joined the company as a class underwriter in 2002.

In his new role, Western will over see the direction, leadership and management of the group’s underwriting and business lines. He will report to group CEO Kevin Hastings.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Paul, who will join ahead of further exciting developments for Ascent and Cove," said Hastings. "Paul has, for many years, been intricately involved in the vast majority of business classes we underwrite. At Amlin he was a committed supporter both of Ascent and Cove, backing our respective major product lines. His knowledge, skills and reputation bring a game-changing additional layer of underwriting expertise to our business.”

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