The International Underwriting Association (IUA), which represents 79 companies operating in the London insurance market, has appointed Chris Jones (pictured) as its new chief executive.
Effective May 1, 2025, Jones will succeed Dave Matcham, who is retiring after a 45-year career in the London Market, including 20 years as head of the IUA.
Jones currently serves as the IUA’s director of legal, underwriting, and claims, overseeing the work of more than 40 London Market committees. He also supports member companies on regulatory and legislative matters and is a qualified Company Secretary.
Jones said he is proud to take on the leadership of the IUA at a time when membership is at record levels.
The appointment was confirmed by the IUA board as part of a planned leadership transition. Claire McDonald, chair of the IUA and CEO of SCOR Business Solutions, said Matcham has provided long-standing service to the London Market, noting his wider expertise.
Matcham began his career in 1980 with the Institute of London Underwriters, which later merged to form the IUA. He has served on multiple London Market boards, representing the interests of the IUA and its members. He will continue to hold board positions at Velonetic and Placing Platform Limited (PPL) for a transitional period.
According to its London Company Market Statistics Report, premium income for IUA members in 2023 totalled £48.432 billion, with £42.995 billion in gross premium written in London and £5.437 billion written in other locations but overseen by London-based operations.
Besides the major leadership shuffle, the IUA, along with the Lloyd’s Market Association, also recently confirmed the election results for the Joint Power Generation Committee (JPGC).
The newly elected committee members include Carl Bennett of CNA Hardy, Peter Cranston of AIG, Rebecca Friel of Travelers, Mark Pettersen of Argenta, Alex Priestley of Lancashire, and Lindsay Waller of MS Amlin.
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