Allied World takes XL’s UK mid-market chief underwriter

Insurer Allied World Europe has hired former XL executive Denis Burniston to head up its primary casualty operation in London.

Before joining Allied World, Burniston was XL’s chief underwriting officer for UK and Ireland middle markets, a role he assumed in 2007.

In his new role, Burniston will be responsible for developing Allied World Europe’s primary casualty book of business, which includes primary public liability, products liability and UK employers’ liability.

The company said the appointment complements its European growth strategy and investment in servicing the UK primary commercial retail market.

Allied World Europe president Julian James said: “[Burniston] has a demonstrated track record of building and managing a complex portfolio of primary casualty business.

“This is another step in our ongoing strategy to expand our European business by extending capabilities in a number of different areas.

“We have made great strides in enhancing our primary casualty offering for UK commercial clients, and Denis’s arrival will further increase our expertise across a complex portfolio of primary public, products and employer’s liability risks.”

Before joining XL, Burniston was active underwriter at HCC Syndicate 4040 at Lloyd’s. He has also worked at QBE’s Lloyd’s operation and AIG UK.

He started his career at Bain Dawes as a casualty broker in 1975.