• Novella hires former Obsidian executive to ‘help fix wholesale’

    Novella, the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered wholesale insurance broker, has announced the appointment of Sarah Bourdeau as Head of Growth.

    Bourdeau will lead Novella’s efforts to expand its independent agent distribution network across the US and grow relationships with larger national retail brokerages.

    Max Kane, founder and chief executive officer of Novella, said: “Very few people spend a whole career inside an industry and can still see what’s broken. Sarah Bourdeau is one of those people. She’s spent more than 20 years bringing insurance products to market but still deeply understands where distribution is broken. I’m excited to welcome her as Novella’s Head of Growth to help fix wholesale.”

  • Gavin Lillywhite: Breaking the headcount-growth equation

    Xceedance’s Gavin Lillywhite spoke with Insurance Times about the company’s shifting operating model.

    Speaking during the MGAA Annual Conference in London, Lillywhite descibed how the company plans to evolve through the implementation of AI agents aimed at improving operation flows and efficiency.

    Lillywhite explains: “Transitioning our operating model means that we can help clients grow without a linear or exponential cost increase, in terms of servicing.”

  • Ariel Re promotes five-year veteran to chief commercial officer

    Ariel Re has appointed Tim Shreeve as Chief Commercial Officer. Shreeve, who is based in Bermuda, will focus on identifying and advancing growth opportunities across the business.

    Shreeve joined Ariel Re in 2021 as head of platform development. His promotion to CCO follows five years of involvement in the firm’s strategic development.

    CEO Ryan Mather said of the appointment: “Tim has made a significant contribution to Ariel Re’s success since joining the business. His promotion reflects his leadership, commercial insight and the value he brings to the organisation.”

  • ANV Group to acquire Open Lending in $372 million all-cash deal

    ANV Group has agreed to acquire US-based Open Lending in a $372 million all-cash transaction, as it continues to expand its Specialty underwriting platform.

    The deal will see ANV add Open Lending’s insurance-backed credit and risk analytics capabilities, strengthening its US footprint and supporting growth in lending solutions for near-prime borrowers.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Open Lending CEO Jessica Buss said: “This transaction delivers compelling and immediate value for our stockholders while providing Open Lending with the capital, stability, and strategic support to drive sustainable growth.”

  • Why captive owners need better data, insights and risk management tools

    In Captive International, Xceedance’s Darren King highlights how captive owners must rethink risk management, shifting beyond insurance purchasing to focus on protecting assets, resilience and long‑term business value.

    He explains that fragmented data, reliance on spreadsheets and limited fit‑for‑purpose systems are constraining decision‑making, while better integration of exposure, claims and operational data could unlock clearer insight and stronger risk outcomes.

    “Captive owners must balance protection, cost, operational realities and long‑term business objectives,” King said, noting that success ultimately depends on turning data into actionable insight.

  • ANV Group Adds Another Workers’ Compensation Agency to Its Roster

    ANV Group has acquired Associated Specialty Insurance Agency (ASIA), a US-based wholesale broker specialising in workers’ compensation, as it continues to build out its presence in the segment.

    The deal follows ANV’s recent acquisition of Specialty Comp Insurance Solutions and builds a broader platform alongside its existing Risico business, combining wholesale distribution, program underwriting and risk management across high-hazard industries.

    “ASIA’s 30-year track record in workers’ compensation, deep broker relationships, and expertise in artisan contractor risks make it an ideal addition to our growing platform,” said ANV CEO Adam Karkowsky.

  • Interview with Alex Smith, Carrick Holdings at BIBA2026

    In this interview with InsureTV at BIBA2026, Alex Smith from Carrick Holdings explains that the bar for MGAs has shifted significantly, with success now dependent on far more than access to niche capacity.

    He highlights growing scrutiny from carriers, with a clear expectation for robust data, disciplined underwriting and a well-defined value proposition.

    Carrick is responding by prioritising MGAs that can evidence performance and differentiation, focusing on those combining specialist expertise with strong technology and aligned capacity, to better support clients in an increasingly competitive and demanding market.

  • Dale hires MS Amlin underwriter to expand US Casualty reinsurance

    Dale Underwriting Partners has strengthened its North American casualty reinsurance offering with the appointment of an experienced underwriter from MS Amlin, as it continues to build out its platform.

    The hire supports Dale’s expansion across Workers’ Compensation and General Liability lines, reinforcing its strategy to grow a specialist Casualty portfolio and deepen relationships with brokers in key markets.

    Commenting on the appointment, Peter Cordell said: “His deep expertise … will be instrumental as we continue to build out our presence in Workers’ Compensation and General Liability and further strengthen our casualty reinsurance capabilities.”