US insurance group expands UK arm with new chief executive

US insurance firm HW Kaufman Group has named Paul Greensmith as its new UK chief executive as part of its expansion plans.

In his new role, Greensmith will take responsibility for HW Kaufman’s operations across the UK, as well as the rest of Europe, South America and the Middle East.

He was most recently the head of global specialty at AIG and, prior to this, was the chief executive of the Lloyd’s and UK company markets at Axa XL.

Greensmith will join HW Kaufman in October and report to Kaufman executive vice president Jodie Kaufman Davis.

“Our London platform is fundamental to Kaufman’s global growth strategy and in Paul we have found a highly experienced and respected insurance executive recognised in London and worldwide for his depth of expertise, industry acumen and outstanding leadership,” said Davis.

“Paul’s role will be pivotal in deepening our operational and sector-specific functions, while aggressively hiring top brokers, underwriters, teams and market specialists.”

Other appointment

Meanwhile, HW Kaufman also announced that James Stevenson will transition from London managing director to executive chairman.

Since joining Kaufman nearly 15 years ago following the company’s acquisition of Chesterfield, Stevenson has been responsible for expanding Kaufman’s global footprint across the UK, Europe, South America and the Middle East.

“In this new position, James will work closely with me, along with Paul and Kaufman’s executive leadership, to identify new geographies and acquisition opportunities that further expand the Kaufman brand worldwide,” said Davis.

“James remains a champion of our organisation and his unique insights, perspective and relationships will be important in continuing to fuel our global growth.”