Pioneer Underwriters has named a new chief executive as its current leader moves to become chairman of the business.
Andrew McMellin will take on the role of CEO, effective October 08, joining the firm from XL Catlin.
Dane Douetil, current CEO at Pioneer and CEO of Pioneer’s parent company, Minova Insurance Holdings, will become chairman of the business. Max Taylor, who has been chairman of Pioneer since 2013, will retire following a transition period, during which he will retain a consultative role.
McMellin joined XL Catlin in 1999, where he served most recently as CEO of UK & Ireland insurance and was a longstanding member of the insurance leadership team and the Catlin Group Executive Committee.
His previous roles have included CEO of Catlin US, CEO of Catlin UK, deputy group chief underwriting officer, casualty product group leader, and casualty class underwriter.
In a statement, Douetil said that McMellin’s “considerable experience and proven leadership ability” would be important as Pioneer continues to grow and develop its business proposition.
“Pioneer has grown significantly since formation, launching a Lloyd’s syndicate at the beginning of the year and expanding both in scale and in the scope of its underwriting,” the new chairman commented.
“His track record in delivering world-class underwriting results will further strengthen what is an already outstanding team, and I am very pleased to welcome him to Pioneer,” he went on to say.
Douetil described outgoing chairman Taylor as having been “absolutely key in guiding the development of the business,” and said that his industry expertise had been invaluable.
“The board and I thank him for his significant contribution,” he added.
Speaking of his departure, Taylor said it had been a privilege to be part of the Pioneer story for six years and welcomed the new CEO.
“I feel that this is a good time to step down. I wish my colleagues every success,” he commented.
McMellin, whose appointment is subject to pending regulatory approval, described Pioneer as having an “outstanding reputation, with market-leading specialists, an innovative product offering and long-term, strategic capital backing.”
“I look forward to leading Pioneer on the path of smart, results-driven profitable growth,” he said.
