Stop press...New IBM recruit

New IBM recruit
Andy Baldwin, former vice president of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young's insurance division, has joined IBM. Baldwin will be IBM's general insurance offering leader for northern Europe.

Allianz appeal
Allianz Cornhill has continued to hold back from making a decision on appealing the Court of Appeal's decision on Clark v Ardington.

There had been speculation the insurer would seek leave to appeal in the House of Lords.

Tory on trial
A member of the Teesside Safety Group has gone on trial for the manslaughter of one of his employees.

Ex-Hartlepool Tory councillor John Elders was charged after his employee Robert Dawson fell through a fragile roof to his death. Elder denies manslaughter.

Sherwood recruit
Global insurance solutions specialist Sherwood International has appointed Steven Bessellieu as president of North American operations. He will replace Mike Dropkin and was a member of Cap Gemini Ernst & Young's global financial services executive board in New York.

Pet counselling
More Th>n, Royal & SunAlliance's direct insurance arm, is offering counselling to the owners of pets who die or are seriously ill.

The service will be offered as part of its standard pet insurance.

FM Global invests
FM Global has invested $70m (£47.7m) in a research and product testing centre.

Moody's downgrade
Moody's has downgraded Syndicate 962 (Creechurch Underwriting) from B- to C+

New CNA head
CNA has appointed Stephen Shepherd as the head of its claims operations in Europe.

Brit, Capita deal
Brit Insurance will underwrite Capita Assistance's before the event legal expenses insurance for the next three years.