Chartis has appointed Nicolas Aubert as its new UK managing director.

Aubert has taken over from James Shea, who has been appointed president of global specialty lines.

Shea has led the UK business since March 2010.

Aubert will report to Chartis Europe chief executive Lex Baugh, who said: "The UK is a vibrant and significant insurance market and our success here is a key part of Chartis’ overall strategy. We would like to thank Jim Shea for his commitment and energy in leading the UK business through a tough phase of the cycle.

“We are delighted to welcome Nicolas Aubert to the UK. Nicolas has built up tremendous experience, first of all in leading our French business – the fourth largest country operation in the Chartis international world – and subsequently as head of South Europe. Chartis has a great history of moving executives between markets, and benefitting from the cross- fertilisation of ideas and expertise that results.”

Aubert joined Chartis in June 2002 as deputy general manager, France. He was promoted to general manager in 2003 and from July 2010, led the 12 country operations in South Europe.

Aubert said: “I am very much looking forward to working with the UK management team to address the complexities and challenges of the UK market, and building on the strong foundations that they have created to take our offering in this market to the next level.

"The prospects for our business are excellent, we are coming out of the soft cycle in good shape, part of a truly global insurance network offering high quality risk management with a genuine multinational capability. It is an exciting time for everyone at Chartis.”