Covéa Insurance lures RSA and AXA execs

Covéa Insurance has appointed Chris Withers, the former regional director for RSA’s property investors unit, as real estate leader.

Covéa said Withers' appointment is designed to increase its impact and presence in the commercial property market.

Withers will operate across the UK and work with brokers to ensure that Covéa Insurance is recognised as a serious player in this market, said the insurer.

Gareth Roberts has been appointed as senior regional underwriter (real estate) into Covéa’s London office.

Roberts joins from Axa and brings with him over ten years of real estate expertise to help Covéa Insurance target, win and retain portfolios of property owners business.

Simon Cooter, commercial lines director, said: “We’re serious about building on our existing capability in the real estate market. Both these appointments are designed to accelerate the growth of profitable business in this sector; Chris will drive activity through our regional offices as well as via delegated arrangements to ensure we trade the way brokers want.

“He will use his previous experience and that of others within our team to work with brokers to develop a proposition that will set us apart from our competitors. We are also delighted to have attracted Gareth to the team and his knowledge and expertise in this segment will mean he will make an immediate impact."