Corporate roundup

Software launched for global insurance programmes

FiscalReps has launched a new premium tax database for risk managers placing global programmes and their multinational insurers.

FiscalReps said its TAXBOX2 system is a global end-to-end premium tax database that will allow risk managers to calculate the total gross premium due on multinational insurance policies.

It will also provide access to a premium tax compliance database, generate tax returns and make payments. The software is updated as global regulations and tax legislation change.

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CEO and founder of FiscalReps, Mike Stalley, said: “TAXBOX2(r) has at its core a global premium tax database which provides detailed information on taxes applicable to insurance premiums for multinational insurance programmes.”

Ilka McHugh was appointed as FiscalRep’s client director of technology in October and will oversee the implementation of the new software.

AXIS expands aviation book with Aviabel purchase

Bermudian insurer AXIS Capital Holdings has acquired Belgium-based aviation insurer and reinsurer Aviabel in a move that AXIS said would expand its scale in the global aviation market and add €50m in gross written premiums.

Announcing the acquisition, AXIS said it intends to retain the Aviabel brand and its Dutch brand NLP.

“AXIS is committed to the aviation market for the long term and, through this acquisition, we’re increasing our scale and market relevance,” said Mark Gregory, CEO of AXIS Insurance’s international division.

Mr Gregory added that Aviabel will expand AXIS’ general aviation and smaller account segments.

AXIS will continue to maintain Aviabel’s offices in Brussels and Amsterdam.

Willis Re promotes Kent to deputy CEO

James Kent has been promoted to global deputy CEO of Willis Re.

Co-president of Willis Re since August 2015, Mr Kent will also retain his position as president of Willis Re North America and continue to work in New York.

Mr Kent will work alongside Willis Re North America CEO Jim Bradshaw to drive the broker’s business in the US. He will take up additional responsibilities to work with global CEO John Cavanagh and global chairman Paddy Jago.

John Cavanagh said Mr Kent “is a well-respected leader within this business and has played a significant role in shaping Willis Re over the past decade, particularly in driving the growth of our Bermuda and North America operations. He is absolutely the right person to help further Willis Re’s global development”.

Mr Kent said: “I will maintain my very strong ties and working relationships within North America, but having been part of the Willis Re global leadership team now for the past six years, my new role will enable me to further the already close relationships with my International and Specialty colleagues as we continue to build our client-focused business as part of Willis Towers Watson.”

Markel and J H Blades form underwriting partnership

London market insurer Markel International and J H Blades & Co have agreed an underwriting partnership for upstream oil and gas risks.

J H Blades – a broker, MGA and London coverholder – focuses on upstream oil and gas and marine. It provides industry-wide forms and wordings, which Markel said it would use under the new agreement.

Paul Jenks, managing director of Markel International’s marine, energy and property division, said: “We’ve known and worked with the Blades team for over 30 years and are really pleased that we’ll be extending our relationship with them through this agreement.”

Richard Martin, president of J H Blades, said: “The new partnership fulfils a strategic objective to support our growth and expansion plans in the future. We are delighted to be broadening our relationship with the Markel team.”

Law firm boosts London market team

Legal firm DWF has appointed a new partner to its UK insurance team alongside 10 promotions within the division.

Simon Gildener joins the law firm’s professional indemnity and commercial insurance practice as a partner from Bond Dickinson. He has 20 years of experience working in the London insurance market.

Mr Gildener’s career highlights include high-profile cases such as McLaren Racing’s errors and omissions claim against Baker & McKenzie. He also advised the three Icelandic banks that failed during the financial crisis.

Four directors have also been appointed at DWF, including occupational health & casualty specialist Caroline Sanders, catastrophic personal injury specialist James Allen, Jon Hyde in professional indemnity and Matt Lynch in the firm’s fraud team.

Six new associates at the law firm have been named. These are Alexandra Cartwright and Tom Mungovan in professional indemnity and commercial insurance, Carrie Pearson in fraud, Hannah Fitzgerald and Sarah Mir in catastrophic personal injury and Reena Buggal in occupational health and casualty.