New head replaces Patrick Tiernan who will be taking on the role of chief of markets for Lloyd’s of London 

The International Underwriting Association (IUA) has appointed head of commercial insurance at Zurich UK, Robert Kuchinski as its new chairman.

Kuchinski replaces Patrick Tiernan who also recently announced that he was stepping down as managing director UK commercial lines and global corporate and specialty at Aviva to take on the role of chief of markets for Lloyd’s of London.

Although Kuchinski has been a member of the IUA board June 2019 and was previously one of the two IUA deputy chairmen alongside Phil Hobbs, managing director at Liberty Specialty Markets, Hobbs will continue in this role as a singular IUA deputy chairman.

Moving on 

IUA chief executive, Dave Matcham, said: “It is far from unprecedented to see IUA Board members move on to very senior and responsible positions elsewhere within our industry and I would like to wish Tiernan well as he prepares for his new job at Lloyd’s.

Rob Kuchinski_IUA

Rob Kuchinski, IUA

“Kuchinski is already an influential and respected member of the IUA Board and ideally placed to take on the role of chairman. He will be an effective leader for the London company market. and I look forward to working with him.”

Meanwhile, Kuchinski added that he was delighted to be leading the IUA at an exciting time for the sector and looks forward to overseeing the delivery of many new services outlined in the association’s recently published 2021 business plan.

“The IUA is an important industry advocate and membership continues to grow. The 65 companies it represents reflect an unrivalled concentration of insurance capital and expertise in London,” he continued.