RSA appoints new chief underwriting officer for commercial lines

RSA Insurance has appointed Graeme Smith as its new commercial lines chief underwriting officer, effective from 18th September 2023.

A statement released this morning (6 September 2023) explained that Smith would be responsible for overseeing all underwriting activities and portfolio management for RSA’s commercial lines business.

The insurer added that he would hold responsbility for “driving forward” forward RSA’s commercial lines underwriting strategy and further strengthening underwriting capabilities.

Smith will report into Nathalie Dufresne, chief underwriting officer for the UK and international at RSA.

Dufresne said: “We have a very strong commercial lines business that’s performing well and which we have ambitious plans for.

“And yet, with the outlook for the global economy still uncertain, maintaining underwriting discipline is integral if we’re to be able to fulfil our aspirations for profitable growth in commercial lines and continue to innovate to serve the ever-changing needs of our customers.”

Experience

Smith embarked on his professional journey at RSA as an actuarial trainee and has been at the business for nearly two decades.

Throughout this period, he has taken on numerous leadership roles across different regions, including head of actuarial in Italy, head of Solvency II in Ireland and head of model validation and capital risk for the UK and International.

Most recently, he was the finance risk director for the UK and international business.

Dufresne continued: “I’m delighted to welcome Graeme to the underwriting and pricing team, whose appointment demonstrates the bench strength we have within RSA.

“Graeme brings with him an abundance of knowledge and expertise in leadership and delivering against strategic risk agendas.

“I know he’ll make a tangible impact in helping to ensure our strategic outcomes are achieved.”