The new CEO will also be regional director for EMEA when she takes her position in February 

Lloyd’s has today announced Sonja Rottiers as its new chief executive for the Brussels branch.

As well as this new position, Rottiers will become regional director for EMEA when she takes up her position in February.

With over 30 years in the Belgian financial services, including senior positions at ING, Kinepolis NV Group and AXA, Lloyd’s chief executive, John Neal is confident Rottiers is ”well positioned to drive the business forward in Europe.”

Neal said: “Lloyd’s Brussels marks a major milestone for Lloyd’s. Now that it is already placing and processing European business, Sonja will focus on ensuring that it is also well positioned to grow as a customer-focused European insurance company.”

Commenting on her appointment, Rottiers added: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Lloyd’s at this exciting time in its history.

”The European risk landscape is changing, and there is increased demand for the specialist risk solutions that Lloyd’s excels at. I am looking forward to the new opportunities that Lloyd’s Brussels will bring to the market, and to help grow our business in the continent.”

More appointments

As well as announcing Rottiers as chief executive, Lloyd’s Brussels has also announced two appointment to its board of directors and a new chief underwriting officer (CUO).

Michel Flamée has been appointed as chairman of the company, with Christian Noyer joining as non-executive director. Delphine Marchessaux also joins as CUO.

Flamée has been on the board of directors at many regulatory bodies, including the National Bank of Belgium, while Noyer  has been honorary governor of the Bank of France since 2015 following a ten year period as the governor. 

Delphine will take up her post this month and joins from Axa Corporate Solutions in France, where she was head of underwriting cargo.

All appointments are subject to approval from the National Bank of Belgium.