Underwriting appointments to cater for diversified classes of business

Novae Syndicates, the wholly-owned managing agency subsidiary of Novae Group, has announced several management changes to Syndicate 2007 following the decision of active underwriter Alan Hicks to retire later this year.

Jonathan Butcher, the current deputy underwriter, will become active underwriter with Ian Burford and Richard Norris becoming joint deputy underwriters.

Mr Butcher has been with the managing agency since 1993 and joined its board in 2002. He was previously active underwriter of Syndicate 1007 from 2003 until it merged this year with Syndicate 2147 to form Syndicate 2007.

Commenting on the opportunities ahead, Mr Butcher said: "Novae has become a forward-looking business in recent years. This is an exciting time to be taking up the reins from Alan, whose strong contribution has included the introduction of clear principles by which the Syndicate will continue to operate.

"I am delighted with the appointments of the deputy underwriters. Together they have over 35 years of experience in the market. Ian Burford's background in Property and Catastrophe business combined with Richard Norris' focus on Specialty lines business, cater for many of the diversified classes written at the Syndicate."