Global specialty re/insurer
Sompo Canopius has recruited industry veteran Laurie Banez from rival firm Argo Pro for a leadership role in the US.
Banez has been appointed as head of US financial and professional lines. She will be based in New York and will report to Stephen Hartwig, group head of casualty.
Sompo Canopius said the new appointment signals its growing commitment to US casualty as it looks to diversify its portfolio into more non-catastrophe related business.
“When considering expanding in US casualty, we wanted to be sure that we did so in the right way and with the right people,” said Mike Duffy, the insurer’s chief underwriting officer.
“With Laurie, we have found someone who has an impressive track record of starting up and growing profitable books of business.”
Duffy said Banez has a “great reputation” in the market, as she brings nearly 30 years of underwriting experience in various business lines including directors and officers liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance.
Banez most recently served as senior vice president, chief underwriting officer and head of Argo Pro for more than six years.
She also worked for 13 years at insurance giant
AIG, where she was senior vice president.
Banez previously held top executive posts at CV Starr, Praetorian Financial Group, Axis US Insurance and Kemper Insurance.
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