Brit snaps up Zurich's real-estate head for new unit

Brit Insurance has hired former Zurich real estate head Kevin Simmons to run a new UK business unit offering insurance to property investors.

The underwriting team for the new property investors unit will be drawn from Brit's existing operations in London and throughout the UK.

The team will include UK property and packages portfolio manager Andrew Jackson, property and commercial packages underwriting manager Amanda Doran and specialist underwriter Andrew Tacey.

“This is a significant area of the UK property insurance market and we see opportunities for profitable growth capitalising on our existing portfolio in this area and complementing our overall UK property book," said Brit UK chief executive Ray Cox in a statement. "Kevin has considerable experience in the property investor insurance market, with an impressive track record of creating and developing successful and profitable underwriting operations. Under his leadership, our team of property experts will be well-equipped to make a real mark in this specialist area.”