Barbican snaps up Hiscox’s HNW head

Lloyd’s insurer Barbican has hired former Hiscox art and private clients head Austyn Tusler.

He will join Barbican on 9 January to further develop the company’s UK business.

It emerged last week that Tusler had left his post at Hiscox.

In addition to Tusler, Barbican has also hired Stuart Quinlan, head of Zurich’s European professional indemnity practice, to head its specialty division and lead the expansion of its professional indemnity capability, particularly in the UK.

Barbican has also promoted deputy active underwriter John Pilkington to active underwriter of its Lloyd’s syndicate, effective 1 January. He takes over the role from Mark Harrington, who will continue to be chief underwriting officer for the Barbican group.

“Barbican has reaffirmed its commitment to core markets and has strengthened its capital position,” barbican chief executive David Reeves said in a statement. “We are now putting the building blocks in place to position us positively for the next stage of development and to further enhance our UK and specialty business lines.”

He added: “Austyn and Stuart held senior positions at Hiscox and Zurich and bring with them a wealth of experience. Having them on board will strongly enhance capability and reputation in these important long-term markets for Barbican, and we very much look forward to their arrival.”