Towergate makes senior hire to lead new London market unit

Towergate has hired David Leathem to lead its new London Underwriting centre.

In his new role Leathem will be London Director of Underwriting.

The unit will focus on developing specialist London market product lines.

Leathem will oversee the direct and facultative international property unit, which will sit alongside the casualty and liability unit following the appointments of John Murphy and Glenn Marshall.

Back in May Towergate announced the appointments of Murphy and Marshall, following the creation of a speciality London Markets underwriting division.

Leathem joins Towergate from The Channel Syndicate where he was a founding partner and head of property for almost six years.

Towergate underwriting chief executive Adrian Brown said: “The creation of a London Underwriting centre represents a genuine opportunity for us to build a leading position in the market, one which our broking customers are telling us is increasingly crucial to their own businesses.

“David is the first choice candidate to lead this charge and brings unrivalled market experience to the table.”

Leathem added: “There is no doubt that the team at Towergate has a fascinating and ambitious vision for the business. It’s the perfect home for launching a London underwriting operation, backed by long term investment.

“I look forward to reconnecting with the underwriting, broking and risk management community, and to the task of launching this venture.”