Hiscox appoints new chief operating officer for Hiscox Syndicates as leader retires

Hiscox has appointed Harriet Hanna as the new chief operating officer at Hiscox Syndicates (HSL).

Taking up the role in September, Hanna will be based in London and report to Hiscox London market chief executive Kate Markham. 

In her new position, Hanna will have oversight responsibilities for the operational capabilities of HSL, ensuring that all business units writing onto syndicate capacity operate within agreed service standards and the latest regulatory guidance. 

The new hire will also have direct responsibility for the operations and change teams within the London market business, setting operational strategy, driving operational excellence, as well as leading the continued evolution of the business unit. 

Hanna joins from her role as chief operations officer at Funding Circle, where she helped the business to scale and deliver profitable business growth. 

She also held roles at Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Amazon.

Hanna said: “Over the past few years, Hiscox has distinguished itself by leveraging technology to drive transformational change within the insurance sector.

”It’s an exciting time to join the business as it continues to evolve and innovate and I’m looking forward to continuing to build on its strong track record of giving businesses the confidence to realise their ambitions.”

Markham added: “Hanna joins us at a pivotal time for us as we continue to scale our business and accelerate our digital transformation efforts.

“Her significant operational experience, including in areas like digital, data and AI, will add great value.

”I look forward to welcoming Hanna to the business and seeing her play a key role in ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding service to our brokers and clients today, as well as setting us up to thrive in the medium and longer-term.”

Stepping down

Hanna will succeed Adam Rushin, who is retiring after more than 25 years’ service with Hiscox.

Markham said: “I would also like to offer my thanks and gratitude to Rushin who is retiring after a stellar 25-year career at Hiscox, which has seen him take on operations roles throughout the group with the last decade focused on Hiscox London market.

”His passion for this business and everyone who works here will be greatly missed. We wish him well in his retirement.”