6 People on the Move

Chris McCloskey Joins Duck Creek as Chief Operating Officer

Duck Creek Technologies, a provider of billing, policy and other solutions for P&C and general insurance, has appointed Chris McCloskey as its new chief operating officer.

In this role, McCloskey will play a crucial role in shaping the company’s overall strategy and driving operational and transformation initiatives, particularly within the customer and professional services divisions.

Chris McCloskey, chief operating officer, Duck Creek Technologies

Before  joining Duck Creek, McCloskey served as the chief customer officer at cybersecurity and business continuity firm Datto, where he worked to improve technical implementation, customer satisfaction, retention and partner relations.

Prior to his role at Datto, McCloskey served as COO, Americas at Finastra.

“We are delighted to welcome Chris to Duck Creek’s leadership team; he will help us continue to better focus on increasing lifetime value and enable our customers to be more successful,” said Mike Jackowski, CEO of Duck Creek.

“Chris is incredibly accomplished in growing and leading large teams through transformation, and having him as a strategic customer-facing leader is the perfect match to advance our vision.”

Risk Strategies Expands Allen Blount’s Role to National Cyber and Technology Product Leader

Risk Strategies has expanded Allen Blount’s role to national cyber and technology product leader.

Blount, who previously served as the cyber team leader, will now assume full responsibility for the cyber practice, in charge of the overall vision and strategy, day-to-day operations, revenue growth initiatives, client experience and leadership of the expanding team of cyber professionals.

“I am excited to have an experienced and innovative professional like Allen, who has proven that he can step in and continue to build upon our cyber and technology products and solutions that help our clients protect what matters most,” said Donovan Nowell, Risk Strategies’ management liability practice group leader.

Drawing on his extensive risk management experience and a background in cyber, Blount will continue to build upon Risk Strategies’ platform of cyber and technology products and solutions.

Dave Bulin Named Head of Investment Consulting at Actuarial Risk Management

Actuarial Risk Management (ARM), a provider of advisory actuarial services, has appointed Dave Bulin as its head of investment consulting.

In his new role, Bulin will spearhead ARM’s expansion into investment consulting services for insurance companies.

Dave Bulin, head of investment consulting, Actuarial Risk Management

Bulin, a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, brings extensive experience to the position, having previously held leadership roles at The Hartford and Lincoln Financial Group. He brings his expertise in areas such as asset-liability management, derivatives and hedging, and securitizations to ARM’s efforts to support clients in remaining competitive through effective investment strategies.

“Dave has amazed our clients with his range and depth of actuarial knowledge and the asset side of the balance sheet,” said Corwin Zass, principal founder at ARM. “I am thrilled to have Dave’s leadership on investment-related topics and engagements.”

Franziska Meyer Joins Omni:us as Vice President of Delivery

AI-powered insurance claims automation solutions provider Omni:us has announced the appointment of Franziska Meyer as its new vice president of delivery.

Myer’s recent role was as head of IT general insurance claims at Zurich Insurance.

Franziska Meyer, vice president of delivery, Omni:us

In her new role, she will oversee the implementation and delivery of Omni:us’ insurance claim automation solutions throughout Europe, with an eye toward driving customer success and contributing to the company’s growth.

The CEO of Omni:us, Thomas Hauschild, expressed enthusiasm for Meyer’s addition, saying “We are thrilled to welcome Franziska to our team. Her impressive background and deep understanding of claims management and IT systems make her the perfect fit to lead our delivery efforts.”

This appointment signifies a significant milestone for Omni:us as it continues to expand and deliver solutions to the European insurance market.

Apex Group Appoints Samir Pandiri to Its Executive Committee

Global financial services provider Apex Group Ltd. has appointed Samir Pandiri as group president and member of its executive committee.

Samir Pandiri, group president and member of the executive committee, Apex Group

Pandiri’s role has been created to support and drive Apex Group’s ongoing growth. Reporting to founder and CEO Peter Hughes, Pandiri will oversee strategic functions such as operations, technology product innovation, risk and human resources.

The appointment accompanies Apex Group’s rapid growth; the firm has completed more than 40 acquisitions since 2017 as it aims to become the preferred tech-enabled service partner in the industry.

In his new position, Pandiri will draw on more than three decades of international financial services and technology experience, including leading large operations teams and implementing operating model transformations. Prior to joining Apex Group, he held significant positions at Broadridge and BNY Mellon.

“We are delighted to welcome Samir to this new role as part of a natural evolution of our leadership team as we continue to serve the changing needs of our business and clients,” said Peter Hughes, founder and CEO of Apex Group. “Samir’s global outlook coupled with his deep technology and operational understanding, make him perfectly placed to drive our continued innovation and expansion.”

Hiscox Appoints Jonathan Bloomer as Chair Designate

Hiscox Ltd., a Bermuda-based specialist insurer, has announced the appointment of Jonathan Bloomer as chair designate, pending regulatory approval.

Bloomer, who brings extensive experience in leading financial services organizations, joined the board as chair designate effective June 1, 2023, and will officially succeed Robert Childs upon the latter’s July 1 retirement.

“The board has made an outstanding choice in Jonathan Bloomer to be the next chair of Hiscox.” said Childs. “He joins the Group at an exciting time, with a range of opportunities ahead for continued profitable growth.”

Bloomer’s previous roles include CFO and CEO of Prudential plc and operating partner at Cerberus. He currently serves as chair of Morgan Stanley International, DWF Group plc and SDL Group Holdings Ltd. &