Hiscox snaps up Morgan Stanley board member as new chair designate

International insurer Hiscox has appointed Jonathan Bloomer as chair designate, a statement released today (30 May 2023) said.

Bloomer began his career in insurance in 1995 at Prudential, where he served as chief financial officer and then chief executive officer, before becoming an operating partner at US private equity and alternative investor Cerberus Capital Management until 2012.

He also served as chair of European investor and asset manager Arrow Global Group and was the senior independent director at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Bloomer is currently the chair of Morgan Stanley International, legal and business services company DWF Group and property services business SDL Group.

He will join the Hiscox board on 1 June 2023.

“I am delighted to be joining Hiscox,” Bloomer said.

“It is a great company, with a distinctive culture and an exciting future. I look forward to being part of the team.”

Hiscox Group’s chief executive Aki Hussain added that Bloomer’s “deep experience in driving international growth and managing complexity across a range of financial services companies and other businesses will be extremely valuable to us”.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Jonathan,” he said.

Succession

Bloomer will succeed Robert Childs, who will retire on 1 July.

Childs joined the specialist insurer in 1986 and took up roles including active underwriter and chief underwriting officer.

He took up the role of chairman in 2013.

Colin Keogh, senior independent director at Hiscox, thanked Childs “for the immense contributions he has made during his long and distinguished career”.

“He has navigated many insurance cycles, mentored many underwriters and leaves a legacy of integrity and strong results,” he said.

“We wish him all the best for the future.”

He added: “After an extensive search, I am delighted to have led the process that resulted in the nominations and governance committee selecting Jonathan as the board’s next chair.

“We will benefit from his experience and leadership and we are all very much looking forward to working with him.”

Childs added that the board had “made an outstanding choice in Jonathan Bloomer to be the next chair of Hiscox”.

“He joins the group at an exciting time, with a range of opportunities ahead for continued profitable growth,” he said.