Ascot reshapes leadership with Pepper, Johnson and Flatt appointments

Ascot has announced a series of senior leadership appointments alongside a reorganisation of its global underwriting operations.

Mark “Sarge” Pepper has been appointed president, global underwriting, effective 1 October.

In the expanded role, Pepper will work with group CEO and president Jonathan Zaffino and Ascot’s segment CEOs on growth strategy, business development and coordination across the company’s UK, US and Bermuda operations.

His remit at the London market re/insurer will also include product innovation and underwriting talent development.

Pepper joined Ascot at its inception in 2001 and has served as group chief underwriting officer since 2009.

Ascot is also creating two distinct business divisions.

Elizabeth Johnson has been appointed president, Specialty Insurance and Reinsurance, effective 1 October.

The new division will bring together Ascot’s global insurance and reinsurance underwriting operations, including global specialty, Bermuda specialty, US specialty and Leadline Capital Partners.

Johnson joined Ascot in 2020 and most recently served as group chief operating officer.

Christopher “Chris” Flatt will join Ascot in early November as president, Consumer Solutions.

The new division will focus on consumer lines, including high-net-worth personal lines insurance.

Flatt joins from AIG, where he most recently served as global chief underwriting officer and was a member of the insurer’s executive leadership team.

He previously led AIG North America alternative channels, covering programmes, captive solutions and private client insurance.

Zaffino said: “Sarge’s expanded enterprise-wide role will reinforce the underwriting leadership at the center of our strategy.

“Elizabeth and Chris are accomplished professionals whose complementary expertise and proven records of execution make them the right leaders for Specialty Insurance and Reinsurance and Consumer Solutions.”

He added: “Together, they will lead their respective areas forward while maintaining the consistency and trusted partnership that have distinguished Ascot in the market over the past 25 years.”