Neil Utley has ended weeks of speculation by naming ex-Wellington Underwriting chief executive Julian Avery as chairman of Cox Insurance Holdings.
Avery joins financial director Andrew Gibson and chief executive Utley to complete the insurer's streamlined new management team.
Utley said Avery finished on top of a shortlist of potentials because of his "wisdom, respect and connections in the market."
Avery, who started his career as a solicitor, retired from Wellington in September after 11 years with the company during which he oversaw the Lloyd's agency's flotation.
He was a member of the Council of Lloyd's until February this year and continues to hold a number of positions in the financial services industry.
These include non-executive director of Aspen Insurance.
Utley said: "We have now got the best team to take our strategy for the business forward."
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
