IUA elects new chair

The International Underwriting Association (IUA) yesterday (14 December 2022) elected Liberty Specialty Markets’ president and managing director Phil Hobbs as its new chair, effective from 1 January 2023.

Hobbs initially joined the IUA board in March 2019 and has previously served as deputy chair.

He replaces Zurich UK’s head of commercial insurance Rob Kuchinski, who will be retiring from the role.

The board is responsible for setting the overall strategy of the organisation and is made up of senior leaders from across the company market.

Dave Matcham, chief executive of the IUA, said the board has been “led with great effectiveness” by Kuchinski over the past two years – “a period that has seen overall IUA membership grow to record levels”.

‘Optimal trading’ goal

Matcham added: “I would like to thank Kuchinski for his dedicated support and wish him well in his retirement.

“Phil Hobbs is well placed to take on the role of chair – he is already a respected contributor to board discussions and a well-regarded leader in our market.”

The chief executive further highlighted that the association will be publishing its business plan for the year ahead in January, on which he looks forward to working with Hobbs to ensure that it delivers improved member services and support for the development of new digital services for the company market.

Hobbs, meanwhile, said: “The IUA performs a vital function for our industry, advocating with authority on technical underwriting and claims matters for specialty lines.

“I am pleased to be leading the association as it continues working towards its mission to secure an optimal trading environment for London insurance and reinsurance companies.”