Kiln, an international insurance and reinsurance underwriting group, has appointed Philippe Daouphars as its specialist aviation underwriter, operating in continental Europe. He will join at the beginning of May.

Daouphars will be based in Kiln's fully-owned subsidiary operation, Belmarine, headquartered in Liège, Belgium. He will work closely with the active underwriter of Kiln's aviation division in London, Paul Letherbarrow, and will be writing a mix of multi-class aviation insurance and reinsurance lines throughout Europe, including aerospace, airline and general aviation.

Previously, Daouphars spent 24 years with AXA Group. He was also a member of the International Union of Aviation Insurers and involved in the French Federation of Insurance Companies committee for space and aviation.

Active underwriter of Kiln's aviation division, Paul Letherbarrow, commented: “I am delighted to welcome such an experienced and well regarded underwriter to Kiln. His appointment ensures that our European clients have the best possible access to our underwriting expertise.”