AIG has suffered a blow to its high net worth (HNW) business after losing its head of HNW in the UK to rival Hiscox.

Austyn Tusler is to head Hiscox UK retail HNW book.

Charles Dupplin, head of art and private client division at Hiscox, said: "From our point of view Austyn is coming into a new and senior role and is a welcome addition to our growing business.

His energy and experience will be focused on further accelerating growth in and leading the UK retail HNW book."

Tusler was underwriting manager in high-value household at Hiscox from 2000-2003 before leaving to go to the AIG in 2003.AIG was unavailable to comment.