IUA names three new directors under new chief executive

The International Underwriting Association has reshaped its leadership team with multiple director-level appointments following the arrival of new chief executive Chris Jones.

Tom Hughes has been named director of underwriting, while Joe Shaw has taken on the role of director of claims.

Jones said the moves would help the IUA enhance its technical support across both disciplines.

“The IUA is dedicated to supporting best practices throughout the insurance lifecycle,” he explained.

“With two new directors for underwriting and claims, we will be able to provide members with a more focused service for their day-to-day operations.

“The London market is renowned for its underwriting expertise and claims services are the essential benefit upon which clients judge our industry.”

Hughes will focus on establishing a new advisory panel of chief underwriting officers across the London company market to help steer future collaboration across the sector.

Shaw, meanwhile, will lead efforts to publish a suite of good practice guides across various lines of business.

Digital transformation remit

Alongside the underwriting and claims restructure, the IUA has also promoted Kim Darrington as director of market operations and transformation.

She will head the organisation’s efforts to support member engagement in major digital transformation projects across the London company market – a key area of ongoing investment for the industry.

Darrington has worked at the IUA since 2016 and has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance sector, including roles at both brokers and carriers.

She said: “The IUA has always been influential in the strategic design and project governance of market processes and technology.

”I look forward to helping drive a collaborative approach that will enable companies to maximise operational efficiencies and cost savings.”