The changes will see Burkhard Keese revert to the position of chief financial officer

Lloyd’s of London has appointed Bob James as its new chief operating officer and tasked him with a remit to deliver its blueprint for the future.

James was previously the Lloyd’s market transformation director and will assume his new role with immediate effect.

In announcing the move, Lloyd’s said James would “focus on aligning the Blueprint Two programme with the wider corporation operations function”.

James’ appointment came as part of a senior management reshuffle which Lloyd’s said had been enacted to strengthen its strategic focus in 2023 and deliver against its priorities of performance, digitalisation, purpose and culture.

James began his career in the operations function at Allstate Insurance in the United States and has served as the chief operations officer for CNA Commercial Insurance and QBE North America.

He was also the executive vice president for MGA operations and chief human resources officer at private equity sponsored intermediary The Amynta Group.

Reshuffle the pack

The insurance marketplace’s restructure will also see Burkhard Keese revert to his primary role as Lloyd’s chief financial officer, with a particular focus on growing the Lloyd’s Investment Platform and risk transformation vehicle London Bridge to attract new capital providers.

Keese had assumed the chief operations officer role over the past 14 months alongside his chief financial officer responsibilities.

Deputy chief financial officer Alex Cliff will join Lloyd’s executive committee with immediate effect and will continue to report into Burkhard.

Cliff joined Lloyd’s in November 2022 having previously held senior finance roles in insurance and broking firms including Direct Line Group, StarStone and AJ Gallagher.

Lloyd’s chief executive John Neal said the move would reaffirm the role James had played in driving the Blueprint Two initiative, which is designed to transform the way the market transacts its business with a focus on the greater use of technology and digital placement of risk.

“As a result of Bob’s strong leadership, the Blueprint Two programme is making steady progress in our drive towards market digitalisation, enabling him to now extend his remit to Lloyd’s Operations function,” he explained.

“I am grateful for Burkhard’s support in leading operations over the past 14 months and am equally delighted that deputy chief financial officer Alex Cliff will bring her insight and experience to Lloyd’s executive committee.”