CLS Risk hires ex-JLT as strategic development director

Specialist property underwriter CLS Risk Solutions has appointed Jim Connolly as strategic development director.

Connolly is an insurance specialist in the property sector having held broking, underwriting and risk management roles at Willis Towers Watson, JLT, Chubb, Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group. Latterly, he has been instrumental in the establishment of two niche construction led MGAs. Connolly served as the chief operating officer of Ensurance from December 2017 to March 2019.

Connolly will report to Rob Best, managing director of CLS RS, who said: “I would like to welcome Jim Connolly to our team. Jim is an outstanding insurance leader with a huge breadth of experience allowing him a 360 degree view across the property market. Jim will be instrumental in driving forward CLS RS as it continues to develop new and innovative sustainable solutions that support our clients in unlocking opportunities across the whole lifecycle of property investment and development.”

Connolly commented: “I’m excited by the challenge of joining CLS RS’s talented team, they are dedicated to providing bespoke and innovative solutions and products that real estate investors and developers need. I’m looking forward to getting down to work and being part of supporting the development, not just of CLS RS, but of the property sector at this moment of huge economic challenge and change.”