Chief executive at ​credit and political risk broker to step down

Credit and political risk broker BPL has announced that group chief executive Sian Aspinall will step down from her role next year.

Aspinall joined the firm in 2014 as a technical director and has been in the top boss position since 2022.

During her tenure as chief executive, she guided BPL to a near doubling of its gross written premium volumes, a 22% increase in headcount and a minority investment from Preservation Capital Partners.

The broker said that complex family health pressures at home have led to Aspinall’s decision to step down. Deputy chief executive James Reynolds is set to be appointed in her place.

Aspinall plans to hand over her executive position in Q1 2026, becoming a non-executive director thereafter.

She said: “I’ve worked in perhaps every corner of the CPRI market – as a broker, an underwriter, even as an expert witness and specialist peer reviewer for insurers.

“The last 10 years at BPL, however, have been the most rewarding of my career. I am very proud of all that we have achieved together and am committed to supporting the company into this exciting new chapter with fresh investment and new leadership.

“The eventual transfer of the chief executive role to Reynolds has long been outlined in our succession plans – and in him we have exactly the type of leader that BPL deserves. The future is all to be made but the foundations are strong.”

Chairman James Esdaile added: “The impact that Aspinall has had on BPL and the CPRI market cannot be overstated. On a personal note, we have worked very closely together over the past 10 years and I have truly had a front row seat to how tirelessly she has worked to help make BPL what it is today.

“This has been alongside her efforts in putting aside competitive pressures to share intelligence and innovation across the market for the good of its collective development – and ultimately, the benefit of its clients. She has our gratitude and of course, our full support as she dedicates this next phase to her family. I am delighted that the firm will continue to benefit from her experience in a non-executive capacity.”

‘Tough act to follow’

Between now and Aspinall stepping down, Reynolds will act as chief operating officer to ensure a smooth transition, with fellow deputy chief executive Charlie Radcliffe taking on the role of chief commercial officer.

Reynolds said: “It will be a tough act to follow but I am determined that we do Aspinall proud and grasp the opportunity and energy afforded to us by our upcoming partnership with Preservation Capital Partners.

“I am buoyed by the confidence that they and the board have shown in me and together with Radcliffe and Esdaile, I am excited to take the reins, lead us into the next phase of BPL and CPRI advocacy.”