Kiln in Paris launch

Kiln has announced the opening of a new office in Paris.

The Lloyd's insurer said the Paris office would initially underwrite aviation business, including airline hull and liability lines. Thw business will be managed by Philippe Daouphars, Kiln’s regional aviation manager, who was formerly based in Liège.

Kiln originally established a presence in the European market in 2006 when it acquired the Belgian marine underwriter, Belmarine. Liège-based Belmarine will now trade as Kiln. Olivier Terlinden, who has developed the Liège business successfully since Kiln’s acquisition, will continue in his role as regional managing director.

Charles Franks, group chief executive officer, Kiln Group, said: “This is an exciting milestone in our continued expansion, and the time is right to consolidate the Kiln brand.

"Just under 15 per cent of Kiln’s business currently comes from mainland Europe and improving access to our products and Lloyd’s for our customers throughout Europe will play an important part in the continued growth and development of Kiln.”