Appointment follows 6-month review of business

Johnny Rowell

Lloyd’s insurer Jubilee has appointed David O’Sullivan as head of life in a bid to grow its specialty life business.

O’Sullivan, who joins from Swiss Re where he is currently head of global life and health underwriting, will focus on the long-term development of a specialty life business across both underwriting and distribution.

The appointment follows a 6-month strategic review of the business and represents a key part in the long-term development of Jubilee’s specialty life proposition, across individual, group and affinity markets.

O’Sullivan will work with both Jubilee’s Life Syndicate 779 active underwriter Jon Clarke and Lutine Assurance Services managing director Nigel Hartley.

Jubilee chief executive Johnny Rowell (pictured) said: “David’s appointment represents an important strategic commitment for us as we look to build on our existing specialty expertise in both the underwriting and distribution of term life products.

“David brings considerable experience in the specialty life arena and will play a crucial role in enabling us to achieve our future aspirations.”

O’Sullivan said:” This class has experienced a resurgence in recent years with Jubilee remaining at the forefront of underwriting and servicing in what continues to be a key growth area for Lloyd’s.

“Jubilee’s life underwriting and retail operations have established strong lead positions in their markets. But the business recognises the further opportunities exist to build a specialty proposition that reflects the changing demands of this market and to be part of this next phase of growth is an exciting challenge.”

O’Sullivan has held several senior life and health roles in underwriting, business development and strategy for Swiss Re over the past 24 years. He has worked in more than 25 countries and was head of life and health strategy for Europe and Asia, based in Zurich, prior to becoming the chief executive of Swiss Re’s African operations based in South Africa. He returned to the UK in 2006 to take up his current role.