Brit names James Winn to lead Bermuda reinsurance platform

Brit Group Holdings has named James Winn head of its Bermuda reinsurance platform, Brit Re, succeeding Jonathan Stephenson, according to a Royal Gazette report. The appointment is subject to approvals and expected near the end of the year.

Winn is currently managing director, property treaty, for Brit in London and is described in the announcement as chief underwriting officer, according to the report. The report says he has more than 35 years of North American property treaty experience across the Lloyd's and Bermuda markets, including almost six years at Max Re Ltd.

Brit Re has built more than $250 million of third-party premium in the two years since its launch, according to the report. Stephenson established the underwriting platform and a product suite that now includes US direct and facultative business as its newest line, and he will remain until early 2027 to manage the handover, according to group chief underwriting officer Jon Sullivan.

Two assistant vice-presidents, Sam Lewis and Jolie Broomhead, will move from London with Winn to support growth in casualty treaty and direct and facultative business, respectively.

Sullivan said the group is "delighted that James has agreed to take on the leadership of our Bermuda platform as we look to the next phase of its growth." The report's timeline would give Brit Re a handover window of roughly a quarter, with Winn expected near year-end and Stephenson staying until early 2027.