New chief executive for Lloyd’s insurer Talbot

Lloyd’s insurer Talbot Underwriting has appointed current managing director Peter Bilsby as its new chief executive, replacing Rupert Atkin (pictured).

Bilsby will take up the new role on 1 March next year after Atkin steps down as chief executive on 29 February.

Atkin will become Talbot’s chairman, replacing current chair Michael Carpenter, who will remain on Talbot’s board as a non-executive director.

He will also remain on the board of parent (re)insurer Validus Holdings.

Chief executive-elect Bilsby joined Talbot as head of global aerospace from XL London Market in September 2009. He then served as director of underwriting until his appointment as managing director in November 2013.

Atkin launched Talbot’s Lloyd’s syndicate, Syndicate 1183, in 1991. He was appointed underwriting director at Talbot in 2001 and became chief executive in 2007 after Talbot’s sale to Validus.

Michael Carpenter joined Talbot in June 2001 as chief executive and was appointed chairman following the sale to Validus.

Validus chief executive Ed Noonan said: “Rupert Atkin has overseen Syndicate 1183’s progression since inception and Talbot’s growth for the past eight years, building it into an important part of the Validus Group.

“The board and staff of Validus thank him for his exceptional contribution and years of service, and we are delighted that he will take on the role of chairman of Talbot so that the company will continue to benefit from his expertise.”

Noonan also thanked Carpenter for his contribution as both chief executive and chairman.

He added: “Since joining Talbot, Peter has been a major contributor to the strategic direction of the business. His leadership skills, industry experience and first-hand knowledge of underwriting specialty risks make him the ideal candidate to take Talbot forward in its next phase of growth.”