Canopius strengthens energy offering with XL Catlin hire

Canopius Group, the global specialty re/insurer which is wholly-owned by Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance, has appointed Francis Lobo as head of upstream oil and gas engineering, effective immediately.

Lobo will report to Steve Warren, group head of energy and engineering.

He 18 years' experience in the oil industry and 13 years in the insurance market and joins the firm from XL Catlin, where he was most recently head of engineering.

Canopius said that Lobo’s appointment supports itsstrategic growth ambitions for its energy business and represents a significant competitive advantage in this specialty area.

“His arrival will allow Canopius to greatly enhance its services and products and provide considerable additional risk mitigation expertise for its clients,” said the firm.

Warren added: “Francis is highly regarded throughout the upstream energy insurance market, and has exceptional expertise in this field.

“His deep knowledge of the technical aspects and issues around oil and gas extraction will provide us with tremendous insight into understanding the risk mitigation needs of our clients in the petroleum industry, enabling us to tailor our products more closely to their needs.”