Lloyd’s insurer Apollo appoints head for new S&E offering

Insurance firm Apollo will expand its specialty division with the launch of a sports and entertainment (S&E) offering, to be led by new hire Paul Thomas.

Apollo – which is owned by Skyward Group – operates an insurance platform within the Lloyd’s market, offering products across property, casualty, marine, energy, transportation and other specialty lines.

Its new S&E proposition will build off of its existing accident and health offering.

Apollo said the arm’s leader Thomas had “extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams and developing innovative solutions across a broad range of classes” and was a “proven leader in delivering tailored risk strategies worldwide”.

Thomas joins the firm from Axa XL, where he most recently served as the firm’s global head of sports, media and entertainment.

His two decades of industry experience also include time spent as a senior underwriter for sports and leisure at XL Catlin Crisis Management and various senior and leadership positions at Sportscover.

Exciting opportunity

Chris King, head of specialty at Apollo, said: ”Thomas joining our specialty division is an exciting opportunity for Apollo.

“His experience and recognised expertise in the S&E markets will enhance our position as we work to deliver one cohesive proposition for our partners.”

James Slaughter, chief underwriting officer at Apollo, added: “The introduction of the S&E class reflects our strategy of building innovative, client-centric solutions that align with broker and client needs.

“Under Thomas’s leadership and nuanced understanding of these markets, we will create transformational opportunities for both our partners and our portfolio.”