Liberty Specialty Markets promotes internally for new chief underwriting officer in London

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM) – part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group – has promoted Melanie O’Neill to the role of chief underwriting officer (London), with immediate effect.

The appointee brings over 30 years of London market experience to the role, having begun her insurance career at broker Nelson, Hurst and Marsh, which later became part of Lockton.

O’Neill then joined LSM in 2003 as a senior underwriter, before going on to serve as head of professional lines and, most recently, chief underwriting officer for commercial lines.

In her new role, O’Neill will be responsible for setting and delivering the underwriting strategy and annual underwriting plan for LSM’s commercial and specialty business.

She takes over the business from Mike Gosselin, who was recently appointed to the position of global leader for energy and transition risk within Liberty Mutual’s Global Risk Solutions division.

O’Neill will report to LSM chief underwriting officer Rachel Conran.

Conran said: “We are excited to announce Mel’s expanded responsibilities within the LSM leadership.

“She has contributed exceptional underwriting expertise and strong leadership and will be able to build on her excellent track record in her new role.

“This move will allow us to continue to deliver exceptional value and service to our broking partners and coverholders.”