Tokio Marine HCC International (TMHCCI) has announced a significant leadership shake-up, promoting Thibaud Hervy to chief executive officer and Simon Button to chief underwriting officer for its international operations. The changes, effective immediately and subject to regulatory sign-off, come as part of a broader strategic shift within the global insurance group.
Hervy, who most recently held the position of CUO – specialty lines, steps into the CEO role following the transition of long-time chief Barry Cook into a new post as deputy CEO of parent company Tokio Marine HCC (TMHCC). Cook’s legacy in the London Market is considerable: over two decades, he steered TMHCCI from a niche player into a $2.8 billion heavyweight with a reputation for underwriting discipline and technical excellence.
“Barry’s impact on our international business cannot be overstated,” said TMHCC CEO Susan Rivera. “When he took the helm in 2005, TMHCCI was a small player in London. Today, Barry leaves it a $2.8 billion market leader with an excellent track record of success over decades. He has been instrumental in building a business which continues to set new standards and achieve exceptional results.”
Hervy’s appointment signals a continuation of the growth-focused approach that has defined TMHCCI’s trajectory. Having joined the organisation in 1999 as an underwriter in HCC Global’s financial lines division, he later led the firm’s European and global underwriting expansion and was named managing director of HCC Global in 2010. In his decade as CUO for Specialty Lines at TMHCCI, Hervy helped shape the long-term strategies that have driven profitability and international growth.
“I am delighted to be working even more closely with Barry in his new role, and in Thibaud, we have the ideal candidate to carry on his legacy,” Rivera added. “As we embark on an exciting new chapter, Thibaud will spearhead our international growth and the expansion of our product suite.”
Simon Button, now elevated to the international CUO role, brings 25 years of experience within the group. Since joining in 2000, Button has held leadership roles across property, marine and energy underwriting, with his most recent role being CUO - London Market. His new remit will see him take the lead on TMHCCI’s global underwriting strategy as the business looks to broaden its product set and navigate evolving risk environments.
“I am also delighted to announce Simon’s appointment as CUO of our international business,” Rivera said. “The risk landscape and the needs of our insureds are evolving. Key challenges such as the global transition to more sustainable practices also present significant business opportunities. Thibaud and Simon’s expertise will be core to the new offerings we are developing and to achieving new heights of excellence in service and innovation for our clients.”
The appointments underscore TMHCC’s broader ambition to grow its specialty lines presence across international markets. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, TMHCC is part of the Tokio Marine Group — a global insurer established in 1879 and listed with a market capitalisation of $70 billion as of December 2024. TMHCC operates across the US, UK, continental Europe and Mexico, with strong financial backing. Its insurance entities hold high-grade ratings including ‘A++’ from AM Best, ‘A+’ from S&P Global Ratings and ‘AA-’ from Fitch.
Commenting on the leadership transition, Cook said: “I am proud to pass the baton of leadership of TMHCCI to Thibaud and Simon. I have had the pleasure of working with them for decades, and their vision and expertise continue to impress. I am certain that TMHCCI will continue to go from strength to strength under their management.”
