Ascot announces new Board appointments

LONDON, 27 April 2011 - Ascot is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Executive Directors, Yvonne Keyes and Mark Smith, and one new Non-Executive Director, James Shea, all of whom joined the Board of Ascot Underwriting Limited this month. 

Yvonne Keyes is Ascot's Compliance Director and Company Secretary. She joined Ascot in 2002 and became Compliance Officer and Company Secretary in 2008. Yvonne has worked in the insurance industry since 1997 and holds the ICSA Certificate in Company Secretarial & Share Registration practice.

Mark Smith is Ascot's Risk Director. He joined Ascot in 2003 as Head of Finance, becoming Risk Manager in 2005. Mark qualified as a chartered accountant with Ernst & Young in 1994 and leads Ascot's Solvency II programme.

James Shea, Managing Director Chartis Insurance UK Limited, is responsible for Chartis' UK market operations. Prior to his current role, James was Regional President of the Central Europe and CIS Region responsible for Chartis operations in 14 countries. During his career with Chartis he has also headed up the group's non US Financial Lines division, specialising in Management Liability risks such as Directors and Officers and Professional Indemnity as well as Financial Crime.

Andrew Brooks, Chief Executive of Ascot Underwriting said, "I am delighted to welcome Yvonne, Mark and James to Ascot's Board. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles, and in light of the changing regulatory landscape and Solvency II requirements, their diverse skill sets make them the ideal choice for our Board."