New Blueprint Two boss appointed after delays

Lloyd’s chief operating officer Bob James has been appointed as the new chief executive at Velonetic.

James succeeds Chris Halbard, who is leaving the firm after spending a year and five months as the top boss.

Callum Gibson, meanwhile, has been named as the new chief operating officer.

The changes come following delays in the rollout of Blueprint Two, which is being delivered by Velonetic.

The programme is a roadmap to modernise business models, practices and systems within the Lloyd’s market.

Phase one was initially set for June 2024, but was postponed to October 2024.

Shaun Crawford, board chair at Velonetic, said: “As we complete the build and transition to the testing phases of the programme, these leadership changes will help ensure the market’s objectives are delivered and embedded.

“I would like to thank Chris Halbard for his leadership in transforming the London market joint venture into Velonetic, positioning us for this next phase of digital transformation.”

Priorities 

Velonetic explained that the immediate priorities of the Velonetic shareholders and board have been to establish a clear timeline for completing the remaining technology build, platform testing, quality assurance and regulatory notification framework.

It added that these have been communicated to the market as part of a “new end-to-end plan to deliver phase one digital services, including key milestone dates for build completion and testing”.

James said: “Completing Blueprint Two provides the foundation for a data-first digital platform.

“I am proud to be part of the Velonetic team and importantly, to work with DXC, the IUA, Lloyd’s and everyone in the market, to complete the journey of Blueprint Two.”