Context
Specialty insurer Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB), part of Munich Re, was looking to expand its Customer Risk Solutions division across alternative and specialised insurance markets.
The business needed a senior leader to drive growth across Lloyd’s, E&S carriers, MGAs, captives, and risk pools, while strengthening relationships across the reinsurance ecosystem.
Challenge
The role required a rare mix of:
- Alternative market expertise
- Reinsurance relationships
- Commercial leadership
- Experience across complex risk environments
Despite significant innovation since joining Munich Re in 2009, HSB’s long history in the market meant potential candidates often still viewed the company through a legacy lens. This made attracting the right people additionally challenging.
Lastly, HSB had already taken several candidates to final stage but had not found the right fit. The business now needed to make a decision within days.
Our Approach
HSB engaged Wenham Carter to expand the search while trying to meet the extremely tight decision deadline.
Leveraging our network, relationships and market insight, we identified and approached highly relevant individuals who were not actively looking. With in depth understanding of potential candidates’ background and motivations we were able to move quickly and with confidence.
Using this approach we delivered a highly relevant shortlist to HSB within 48 hours.
Outcome
Following an accelerated interview process, HSB appointed Sébastien Bert as SVP, Alternative Markets & Custom Risk.
Sébastien brought extensive experience across specialty insurance, alternative risk transfer, captives, and reinsurance markets, alongside an established network across the Lloyd’s and MGA ecosystem and a background building strategic partnerships and developing bespoke risk solutions.
His appointment supports HSB’s ambition to expand beyond traditional insurance models and strengthen its position across emerging and specialised market segments.
Fantastic service. No high pressure, excellent candidates, deep business expertise and awesome service and people to work with. We are looking forward to a long fruitful partnership with the Wenham Carter Team
Robert Murray, Head of Talent Acquisition – North America | HSB
