Meet Our Team
Our Executive Team is connected to every facet of our business and is focused on driving strategy and leading change. Through the combination of their diverse backgrounds and expertise, our business is understood, inclusive, and always looking to the future.
James Hastings
Chief Executive Officer
James was appointed President of Berkley Specialty London in 2022. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the London and Lloyd’s insurance market. James has a reputation for developing and transforming businesses. He has led underwriting, claims and operations functions and is known for strategic thinking and an open and inclusive style of leadership. James has acted as a director on regulated boards and has helped manage change in areas such as Brexit, pandemic, climate and ESG.
James joined Berkley Specialty London from a leading London market insurer, where he was the Managing Director for the Wholesale operations. This included a $1bn+ GWP insurance portfolio across UK, Europe, Asia and the US.
Executive Assistant
Rebecca Wilkey
Andrew Howse
Chief Underwriting Officer
Andrew was appointed Chief Underwriting Officer of Berkley Specialty London in 2024. He has 20 years’ experience working in Lloyd’s and the London market. His career began in Underwriting, leading on to Underwriting Management, where he gained experience in planning, portfolio optimisation and corporate development. He then spent 3 years at Lloyd’s as a Senior Account Manager responsible for stakeholder management. Prior to joining Berkley Specialty London, Andrew worked at a leading Lloyd’s insurer where he was Active Underwriter of a syndicated high net worth portfolio.
Elliott Goss
Chief Claims Officer
Elliott was appointed Chief Claims Officer of Berkley Specialty London in 2022. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the London and Lloyd’s Insurance market. He has a proven track record in strengthening claims teams whilst using optimal processes to ensure efficiency and a high-quality output. Elliott is a deeply passionate about excelling in client and customer service.
Elliott joined Berkley Specialty London from a leading legacy business, where he was the Group Chief Claims Officer working across different regulatory and cultural environments.
Executive Assistant
Jemma Elwood
Michael Bennett
Chief Financial Officer
Michael joined Berkley Specialty London in December 2016 and has been responsible for the Finance function since April 202. He was appointed as Chief Financial officer in June 2022. He has worked in and around the London market for nearly two decades.
Mike has an MSci in Physics from the University of Birmingham and is a Fellow of the ICAEW having trained with a Big Four audit firm specialising in insurance and investment management.
Executive Assistant
Jemma Elwood
John Enright
Chief Operating Officer
John joined Berkley Specialty London in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this he led the Strategy and Project Delivery function for an international specialty insurer and worked as a Strategy Consultant for Bain & Company. John started his career at Bupa, where he held a number of managerial roles.
John has an MBA with distinction from London Business School and is a qualified management accountant.
Executive Assistant
Debbie Bangot
Jacqui Hedges
Director of Compliance and Corporate Governance
Jacqui joined Berkley Specialty London in 2011 as Chief Risk Officer and early in 2018 took on changed roles and wider responsibilities, acting as Deputy for the CEO and Chief Operating Officer. She is now Director of Compliance and Corporate Governance. Jacqui is also a member of the Board with responsibility for Operational and Assurance functions of the business. Jacqui is a Chartered Secretary, an affiliate member of the Institute of Risk Management, and has over 20 years’ experience in the London insurance market.
Anders Rolfsen
Chief Actuary
Anders joined Berkley Specialty London in 2012, and is responsible for the actuarial function covering pricing, reserving and capital. Having begun his career in Norway working as an actuary for a primary insurer, Anders moved to London in 2002 and worked with a Lloyd’s Syndicate and Global Reinsurer for over nine years. Anders is a qualified actuary both in the UK and Norway. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in Actuarial Science (MSc) from the University of Oslo.
Executive Assistant
Jemma Elwood
Dermot Mullins
Chief Risk Officer, Risk Management Function
Dermot joined Berkley Specialty London in March 2014 and is responsible for the risk management function. Dermot previously worked in consulting and captive management roles supporting clients with their risk management, business and regulatory requirements in the Lloyd’s, London Market and other international (re)insurance markets. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute; and holds a master’s degree in Insurance and Risk Management from Cass Business School, and a degree in Insurance and European Studies from the University of Limerick.
Executive Assistant
Debbie Bangot
Susan Cotterell
Director of Human Resources, UK/Europe
Susan joined the business in January 2019 as Director of Human resources. A highly accomplished senior HR leader with over 20 years’ experience, Susan is a driving force behind people-focused strategies that align with business goals and foster high performance.
As a key member of the Executive Team, Susan is committed to creating a workplace where people thrive, feel valued, and are empowered to be their very best. She is passionate about fostering a culture of excellence, fairness, and inspiration across all levels of the organisation.
Careers
At Berkley Specialty London, our inclusive and dynamic culture fosters growth, innovation, and teamwork. Explore exciting career opportunities and become part of a team committed to excellence. Apply now and make a difference!