’He has a vast amount of experience in the UK property market and will undoubtedly bolster our efforts,’ says underwriting director

Specialist insurer Ecclesiastical has snapped up Aviva’s Adam Wright as its new property underwriting director for the UK.

Wright replaces Paul Messer, who has moved to a new group role supporting underwriting capability across Ecclesiastical’s insurance businesses.

Ecclesiastical said Wright was joining the firm during a growth phase, with it looking to move into new sectors this year after launching in the leisure industry in 2023.

The business felt Wright would be key to helping it deliver on its plans.

“I am really looking forward to this new opportunity at Ecclesiastical,” Wright said.

“Through all the conversations I’ve had, it’s clear this is a different kind of business. What shines through is the brilliant culture of teamwork and collaboration and its unique purpose to contribute to the greater good of society.

“I am excited about the ambition, beliefs and purpose of the company and I’m looking forward to helping grow the business over the coming years.”

Experience

Wright brings a range of underwriting experience to the specialist insurer.

He has worked in the London market for nearly 20 years, both in Lloyd’s with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance and MS Amlin, as well as the company market with Aviva and RSA.

He was most recently Aviva’s property underwriting manager, a role he had held for six years.

Marc Lewis, underwriting director at Ecclesiastical UK, said: “I’m delighted that Adam has decided to join the team at Ecclesiastical.

“He has a vast amount of experience in the UK property market and will undoubtedly bolster our efforts in establishing a world-class underwriting proposition. His strong leadership skills and expertise will provide a positive impact on our business moving forward.

“We have a unique proposition at Ecclesiastical, combining specialist expertise with market-leading service, alongside a purpose to contribute to the greater good of society and I know Adam is excited to join us.

“I’d like to thank Paul Messer for his service to the team, where he has been instrumental in the success of our property book.”