CNA Hardy plots regional expansion with fifth branch

CNA Hardy has opened a new office in Birmingham, its fifth UK branch, as it plots to expand its regional presence.

The insurer opened an office in Glasgow in August.

CNA has also made a raft of appointments to support the expansion plans.

Craig Jones-Newey has been appointed as regional manager for Midlands and the South West, based in Birmingham.

In his new role, Jones-Newey will report to head of UK regions, Elliot Miller, who was appointed in June to develop a strategy to build CNA Hardy’s presence outside of London.

Jones-Newey will also be responsible for day-to-day operations in Birmingham, as well as developing the CNA Hardy brand and presence across the UK Midlands.

He joins CNA from AIG. His appointment follows several other hires.

Simon Hodgin joined from Sterling Insurance in May, as regional manager for the North.

Neil Stephenson and Matt Rigby were hired as senior liability and property development underwriters from QBE. Development underwriter Stephanie Wilson and underwriting assistant Gemma Findlay have joined CNA from QBE, while Lisa Raby has joined as a professions underwriting assistant from Willis.

Chris Thompson and Mark Armstrong have also recently been appointed as life science, technology and cyber development senior development underwriters, joining from Chubb.

Archie Johnson joined CNA from Zurich as property and casualty manager, while Andy Clements has also joined CNA from Travellers as Europe distribution director.

CNA Hardy chief executive Dave Brosnan said: “At CNA Hardy, we have the ability to write business in more than 200 countries and territories across the world, with a network of more than 75 offices.

“Part of our ethos is our belief in building enduring relationships with our customers and producers, and we can only do that if we are close to them. This year has seen us open two new offices, and hire a number of senior individuals, demonstrating our commitment to developing our relationships locally as well as to building scale outside of London.”