Westfield Specialty launches UK and Europe liability portfolio

Westfield Specialty International has expanded its casualty offering with the launch of a UK and Europe liability portfolio.

The move forms part of Westfield’s strategy to broaden its specialty capabilities and increase its presence in the European liability market following the establishment of its company market operations in Luxembourg at the end of 2025.

As part of the launch, Keith Knight and Andy Skinner have been appointed to lead the new business line.

Knight joins as class underwriter, while Skinner takes on the role of deputy class underwriter. Both arrive from Everest, where Knight most recently served as deputy head of international casualty and Skinner was head of UK and Ireland casualty.

Ross MacDonald, divisional director for casualty and portfolio at Westfield, said: “Skinner and Knight are highly experienced figures in the market, with deep technical expertise, a track record of high-quality service and the ability to build productive, long-term relationships with brokers and clients.

“This makes them ideally placed to lead this portfolio as we diversify into geographies that traditionally sit outside Lloyd’s, providing greater flexibility to our broking partners.”

Growth strategy

MacDonald added that the insurer was focused on building a sustainable and profitable portfolio through disciplined risk selection, saying that attracting underwriting talent was central to that strategy.

The appointments strengthen Westfield’s casualty team as it continues to invest in new underwriting capabilities and expand its European footprint.

MacDonald said: “At Westfield, we have the appetite and capacity to take on new risks to grow our book and the launch of the UK and Europe liability portfolio is a key step in that strategy.”