Dual UK makes c-suite appointments to drive UK expansion

Dual UK, the specialist underwriting arm of intermediary organisation Howden Group, has confirmed two new c-suite appointments – including the hire of former Allianz Commercial chief underwriting officer Catherine Dixon.

Dixon, who has more than 30 years of experience in commercial SME and mid-corporate insurance, will join Dual UK in May 2024 as chief underwriting officer.

The underwriter has also appointed Axa’s ex-regional director Rob Corner as its new chief distribution officer, effective from June 2024. Corner has around 10 years of industry experience and has also previously worked at Allianz.

Dixon and Corner will report to Dual UK chief executive Simon McGinn, who joined the business from Allianz Commercial in September 2023.

These c-suite additions follow the appointment of Catherine Farnworth last month (January 2024) – she became Dual UK’s chief actuary for UK and Europe after spending more than two years as IQUW’s group chief risk officer and four years at insurer MS Amlin.

Dual UK explained that its new leadership hires have been put in place to support the business’ expansion in the UK.

McGinn said: “I am absolutely delighted to be welcoming the three of them to the already strong UK leadership team.

”Dual has been on a significant growth journey in our home market, both organically and through bringing in new teams, and we have plans to do so much more in 2024 and beyond.”

Targeting growth

Describing the importance of the new hires in greater detail, McGinn continued: “The new role of chief distribution officer is absolutely critical to our growth plans and Corner will be responsible for co-ordinating with our distribution partners and helping us grow in the retail market, as well as London market, specialty and existing businesses.

“Dixon’s key areas of focus will be to ensure our underwriting, governance and approach to market reflect our position as a leading insurance provider. She will also work closely with our group and regional CUOs, aligning the UK with our wider group strategy.

“Farnworth’s focus is to further build out our actuarial capabilities in the UK and Europe, with a focus on pricing and underwriting profitability. She is part of both the UK and Europe leadership teams.

“Dixon, Farnworth and Corner bring fantastic, relevant experience and complementary skills to the Dual UK leadership team.

”We are now well positioned to drive our business forward in a way that not only supports our capacity providers, but that also continues to deliver great insurance solutions to our brokers and customers.”