Pioneer Underwriters Names Gaffney Chief Operating Officer

Pioneer Underwriters has appointed Simon Gaffney as group chief operating officer,

He will report to Dane Douetil, group chief executive officer of Pioneer, and be based in London.

Gaffney has two decades of experience in the insurance broking industry, including as chief operating officer at Willis Global. Most recently he has held the role of chief data officer at Willis Towers Watson.

Pioneer Underwriters received approval from Lloyd’s for Syndicate 1980 to commence underwriting business attaching as of Jan. 1, 2018.

Pioneer Syndicate 1980 will have a gross premium income of £278 million ($371.2 million) and will underwrite a cross-section of business including property, casualty, marine and energy.