Asta promotes six to senior leadership roles

Asta has promoted six senior leaders as part of a broader effort to strengthen its executive team and support continued growth.

The managing agency said the appointments are designed to expand leadership capacity, enhance client relationships and reinforce its partnership model with syndicates and stakeholders.

David Hopkins has been promoted to chief underwriting officer, having joined Asta in 2024 following roles at Westfield Specialty, Argo Group, Axis Capital and Antares Managing Agency.

Clare Barley has been appointed managing director after 11 years with the Davies-owned business, moving from her previous role as chief operating officer.

In her new position, Barley will provide direct support to CEO Lorraine Harfitt, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing stakeholder relationships and helping to shape and execute strategic priorities, while retaining responsibility for culture and HR.

Leslie Edmonds succeeds Barley as chief operating officer, taking responsibility for operations and IT.

Edmonds joins the executive team and Asta Management Agency board, subject to regulatory approval, and brings three decades of London market experience, including roles at Lloyd’s and Allianz.

Laura McMaster has been appointed to the newly created role of chief experience officer, focusing on supporting syndicate clients through different phases of development and ensuring oversight frameworks remain robust.

The role will also see client management, actuarial and exposure management functions aligned under her remit.

Ben Carter and Phil White have both been promoted to chief actuary roles, each taking responsibility for a portfolio of syndicates, with regulatory approval being sought for senior management functions.

Lorraine Harfitt, CEO of Asta, said the promotions reflect the depth of talent within the organisation.

“We are delighted to recognise the talent we have at Asta and to be able to support the career development of our team,” she said.

“These appointments will not only support succession planning but also ensure sufficient leadership attention and time is given to not only maintaining but continuing to build upon the great business we have,” she continued.

“I wish them all the best in their new positions and look forward to working with them closely,” Harfitt added.