‘The cyber market is an area ripe for investment and profitability,’ says divisional director
Westfield Specialty International has appointed Ben Watson as a class underwriter to lead its new cyber team, which will begin writing business on 1 January 2026.
The London-based hire marks the carrier’s move to expand its financial lines portfolio and strengthen its underwriting presence in the London market.
Watson will report to Mark Fellows, divisional director for financial and professional lines. Further hires are planned through 2026.
Watson joins Westfield Specialty International after nearly six years as senior cyber underwriter at Zurich.
He also spent more than three years at Beazley as a US cyber and technology underwriter. In total, he has more than nine years of experience in cyber and technology underwriting.
Long-term growth
Fellows said the business viewed cyber as the next stage of its long-term growth plan for financial lines.
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He added that the strategy “had underwriting discipline at its core”, which meant “being bold and championing expansion when the opportunity is right”.
He continued: “The cyber market continues to grow and evolve, making it crucial that we back the best talent to deliver success. Watson’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the market will be invaluable as we continue to expand our offering to brokers and provide first-rate broker and client service.”
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