Julian Coates has been named chief broking officer (CBO) for Ardonagh Specialty’s Price Forbes Singapore (Price Forbes), taking a key role in the specialty broker’s efforts to expand its business in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
In his new capacity, Coates will be responsible for formulating and executing the broking strategy for Price Forbes across the region. His focus will include setting standards for broking excellence and supporting the company’s broader growth ambitions.
Based in Singapore, this appointment represents a strategic investment by Price Forbes, aimed at strengthening its presence in the region.
“I’m excited to join Price Forbes and the wider Ardonagh Group. Price Forbes reputation as a leading independent insurance distribution platform, combined with the team’s extensive experience and commitment to innovation, aligns perfectly with my own professional goals and values,” said Coates, who has over 10 years of experience in the Asian market. “I’m very much looking forward to connecting with the business across major global broking hubs, and I can’t wait to meet the teams and stakeholders to identify more opportunities for growth which serve the unique needs of the Asian market.”
Phil Johnson, the incoming CEO for Asia Pacific at Price Forbes, expressed confidence in Coates’s abilities.
“We’re delighted to welcome Julian to the team. Julian is a fantastic example of the entrepreneurial, client focused brokers that belong at Price Forbes. I have no doubt he’ll make a vital contribution to our ambitious build-out plans as we continue to place customer service and staff satisfaction at the centre of our strategy,” he said.
The appointment follows the rebranding of Ardonagh Specialty’s reinsurance division under the name Price Forbes Re.
This move is part of a broader consolidation strategy that simplifies its brand architecture, positioning Price Forbes as the primary brand for wholesale operations.
The rebranding encompasses Inver Re, which operates in London and Bermuda, as well as Equinox Re in the US.
Established in June 2021, Inver Re expanded significantly following Ardonagh’s acquisition of BGC’s insurance operations in November 2021, bolstering its presence in markets such as Bermuda, the US, and London.
Chris Bonard has been appointed as the president of the newly named Price Forbes Re and will report to Andrew Wallin, CEO of Ardonagh Specialty.
“Price Forbes is renowned for its rich heritage in London, Bermuda, and the global marketplace,” Wallin said. “Price Forbes Re will build on more than 100 years of specialist insurance broking by creating a reinsurance specialist business that is energetic, entrepreneurial, progressive, and bold.”
