Corporate roundup

Allied World launches Global Crisis Management Division Allied World Assurance Company Holdings (AWAC) has launched a Global Crisis Management Division under the leadership of Todd Germano as executive vice president. Mr Germano was previously president, Allied World US Property & Casualty. The new division will offer a range of products to help organisations prepare for, manage and recover from issues and incidents that can threaten many facets of their business, including brand, reputation, finances and operations. Frank D’Orazio, President, Underwriting & Global Risk Group at Allied World commented: “The customers we serve have increasingly global and complex business models that require a unique understanding of risk and specialised underwriting approach. This division will enable us to have more meaningful relationships with our existing customer base while broadening the reach of our business.” Mr Germano added: “We have made a significant investment in building this comprehensive crisis management platform which will be led by four industry veterans with extensive expertise in their sectors. The risk landscape is dynamic and continually evolving, and through this new group, we will offer solutions‐based underwriting for an optimal level of customisation.”hideCunningham Lindsey appoints MD for Latin America Loss adjusting firm Cunningham Lindsey has appointed Laura de Sordi as managing director of its Latin America operations. In the role she will be responsible for the firm’s operations across Latin America and the Caribbean, with a focus on service delivery, new business acquisition and account management. Her appointment follows Cunningham Lindsey’s recently opened Miami office that complements the company’s operations in Central and South America. Ms De Sordi will work closely with all teams in the region to provide a ‘full range’ of services, said Cunningham Lindsey. She has over 10 years of legal and claims operations management experience, including senior leadership at a large global insurer in the London market. She is an attorney and fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. “I am excited to have Laura directing our operations in Latin America,” said David Repinski, President and Chief Client Officer of Cunningham Lindsey, Americas. “Miami is fast developing as a major insurance hub and having a physical presence here is critical to the needs of our clients. Laura’s leadership and claims background will help accelerate our growth initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean by providing our clients with easily accessible claims services for managing risk.” AWAC enters fine art and specie market Allied World Assurance Company (AWAC) has announced that Allied World Global Markets will enter the fine art and specie market. It has appointed Ann-Louise Seago as vice president, Fine Art and Specie to develop and manage the product line for Europe. Based in London and underwriting from the Company’s Lloyd’s Syndicate 2232, she will report to Bart Grefe, Senior Vice President, Head of Marine, Allied World Global Markets. Ms Seago has over 20 years’ experience in the fine art and specie market. Most recently she was managing director and chief agent at AXA Art Insurance Corporation in Toronto. Prior to that, she was vice president/senior fine art underwriter at XL Specialty Insurance Company in New York City. Mr Grefe said: “Ann-Louise’s arrival marks the latest step in the building out of the Allied World marine offering, following the launch of our marine liability product earlier this year. Hiring specialist experts like Ann-Louise enables us to offer our clients a wide-ranging and diverse product suite and expertise. We look forward to welcoming Ann-Louise to our growing marine team.” DWF to merge with German commercial law firm BridgehouseLaw UK legal firm DWF will acquire German international commercial law firm BridgehouseLaw on 1 January, 2016. DWF said the ‘strategic’ acquisition will help build its international offering and strengthen its capabilities in industry sectors such as insurance, energy, real estate, retail, food & hospitality and tech. BridgehouseLaw operates from Cologne and Munich in Germany. It is supported by an international network focused on the Middle East and the US. The firm primarily advises German companies expanding into the US and visa versa. It specialises in corporate/M&A, distribution, employment, IT/IP and litigation matters. DWF has been advising clients in Europe, the US, Canada, China and India for over 20 years. Earlier this month the firm opened an office in Brussels to provide greater competition and regulatory support to its major clients. DWF’s managing partner & CEO, Andrew Leaitherland, will continue to lead the merged business. BridgehouseLaw’s Michael Falter will lead operations in Germany as managing partner of DWF Germany. The merged firm will have a turnover of £194m and will employ approximately 2,360 people across 16 locations. BridgehouseLaw’s four equity partners—Oliver Bolthausen, Klaus Brisch, Michael Falter and Dr Mathias Reif—will become equity partners of DWF LLP. Integro acquires Entertainment Insurance Partners Ltd Global insurance brokerage and risk management firm Integro Insurance Brokers Holdings Ltd has acquired London-based Entertainment Insurance Partners Ltd (EIP), the specialist entertainment and sports intermediary. The financial details of the purchase, which has been approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, have not been disclosed EIP has offices in London, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Nashville. It provides insurance and risk management services to artists, promoters, venues, productions and companies across the globe. It has insured nine out of the top ten highest grossing music tours of all time and handled fourteen of 2014’s top twenty grossing tours. Last year, EIP handled insurance premiums of over £100m with more than 60% generated internationally. EIP is the parent company of Robertson Taylor Insurance Brokers Ltd, Robertson Taylor International Insurance Brokers Inc, Walton & Parkinson Ltd, Longreach International Ltd and ESIX LLC. Following the acquisition, Robertson Taylor CEO John Silcock and James Davies, Global Sales & Marketing Director, will continue in leadership roles and report to Neil Clayton, Integro’s global entertainment and sport practice leader.

Corporate roundup

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