Acquisition establishes WR Berkley Insurance Ireland

W. R. Berkley Insurance (Europe) has completed the acquisition of Irish Professional Risks, to form W. R. Berkley Insurance Ireland.

W. R. Berkley Insurance Ireland will offer a range of products, including professional indemnity, medical malpractice, directors and officers, as well as construction & engineering and personal accident.

Owen Twomey, has been named manager of W. R. Berkley Insurance Ireland. Twomey has over 30 years of underwriting experience in the insurance sector, particularly in professional indemnity and general liability.

Tim Barniville, who has been with IPR since 2005, has been appointed senior underwriter.

Stuart Wright, CEO of WRB Europe, said: “We are delighted to have acquired this skilled team with whom we have enjoyed such a good working relationship in the past. We believe they will greatly enhance our presence in the Irish market and we are excited about the opportunities this acquisition will bring.”

W. R. Berkley Insurance Ireland has been established as a branch of WRB Europe, which is rated A (Excellent) by A. M. Best and A (Strong) by Standard and Poor's. Both rating agencies have assigned stable outlooks to their ratings.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.