Ascot Promotes Thompson to CEO, Bermuda, as Berger Retires

Ascot announced the promotion of Ian Thompson to chief executive officer, Bermuda.

Thompson will assume leadership of Ascot’s multi-faceted business on the island, which includes specialty insurance, reinsurance and alternative capital capabilities underwritten from the group’s “A”-rated Bermudian platform. The appointment is subject to pending regulatory and immigration approval.

Thompson joined Ascot in 2017 as head of Casualty & Specialty, before promotion in 2020 to executive vice president and chief underwriting officer, Casualty & Specialty. He joined Ascot after almost a decade at Hiscox Re as head of Casualty & Specialty. Prior to moving to Bermuda, Thompson worked at Catlin, heading the Healthcare and Professional Lines practice in London. In his new role, he will report to Jonathan Zaffino, group president.

The promotion comes with the departure of John Berger who will retire at the beginning of March 2021 after three years helping to establish a market-leading presence in Bermuda. Berger will continue to advise and provide consultation to Ascot.

“Ian’s been instrumental in our efforts to thoughtfully expand our Bermuda operations, which now includes leading solutions across several major insurance and reinsurance classes,” commented Zaffino.

“I also want to take the opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to John Berger for all he has done for Ascot. He’s had an impactful role in developing our Bermuda business, and I wish him a very happy retirement after a storied reinsurance career. We look forward to his continued advice and counsel in his new advisory capacity,” he added.

Source: Ascot