Hiscox names new boss for Europe

Hiscox has appointed Pierre-Olivier Desaulle as managing director of Hiscox Europe.

Desaulle has been the managing director of Hiscox France since 2000. Focussing on art and private client and professional insurances, Desaulle achieved a gross written premium growth rate of 20% during this time, making Hiscox France the largest and most profitable operation for Hiscox in Europe.

Based in Paris, Desaulle will report to chief executive, Bronek Masojada. The European country heads in Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden as well as the European Global Risks division will report directly to Pierre-Olivier. He replaces Michael Gould, who in addition to his role as chief operating officer, led Hiscox Europe on a temporary basis. Gouldl continues as chief operating officer for the Hiscox Group.

Bronek Masojada said: "Pierre-Olivier has shown great leadership during his tenure at the helm of our French business. I am confident his experience and excellent client relationships will help the European division to continue to grow."

Pierre-Oliver Desaulle said: "The opportunity that lies ahead of us in Europe is tremendous. With our expertise, our unique brand, our specialty lines and our flexibility to act as a local player in each country, we are ideally positioned. We will grow and consolidate our leadership in our existing lines and leverage our relationships with brokers to further develop our Global Risks division."