’It is challenging areas of niche specialty lines like these that Rokstone excels at,’ says chief executive
Speciality (re)insurance managing general agent (MGA) Rokstone has launched a new accident and health (A&H) division.
A statement released today (7 August 2023) said the division, which will also incorporate travel, has a “broad appetite” across the commercial and retail sectors.
It will be supported by a panel of A rated carriers and is expected to write £50m gross written premium (GWP) in three years – in five years, Rokstone said it wanted to achieve £100m.
James Potter, chief executive of Rokstone, said the MGA made the move as it looks to continue expanding its portfolio.
For example, in the last year, professional indemnity and credit surety treaty divisions were added to the business.
“It is challenging areas of niche specialty lines like these that Rokstone excels at,” Potter said.
“A&H is a difficult market for brokers where there is a lack of capacity and limited underwriters who are true specialists.
“We give brokers that expertise and a reliable and consistent underwriting partner with a global reach and a ‘can do’ attitude. We’ll find a way, even for the most special risks.
“Being able to offer this level of specialism and flexibility for accident, health and travel all under one roof is also a big benefit for brokers.”
New appointment
As part of the move, Rokstone has appointed Darren Delande as head of A&H.
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Delande will join the firm from Optio, where he has been head of A&H for the last three years.
Prior to this, he served as an A&H underwriter for Aegis and Arch.
“We’re delighted Darren has chosen to join Rokstone to establish and lead our A&H team,” Potter said.
“Darren is undeniably one of the most experienced and knowledgeable underwriters in this area of the market and we’re excited to be working with him to develop and grow a global market leading A&H portfolio.”
Delande added that joining the firm presented a “unique opportunity” for him.
“The business plan is ambitious, but achievable, in a market bursting with opportunity for an MGA of the right calibre,” he said.
“Importantly Rokstone had a broad platform that can cater for both commercial and retail markets and both of these are a big part of our business plan.
”There aren’t many MGAs that can offer that capability and appetite, combined with the right culture and ambition.”
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