Knight to join Pool Re as independent chair

UK public-private terrorism reinsurer Pool Re has appointed Angela Knight as a non-executive chair.

Knight has previously worked in government, was head of the British Bankers Association and chaired the Office of Tax Simplification. She continues to work as an adviser to consultants and is deputy chair of AFSA, the independent regulator of Kazakhstan’s Astana International Financial Centre. Her non-executive roles include Provident Financial, Taylor Wimpey and Arbuthnot Latham, among others.

Her appointment, subject to regulatory approval, comes in the midst of a  Treasury review of Pool Re launched in October 2020, which was to conclude this Spring.

Andrew Skirton, Pool Re’s senior independent director and acting chair, said: “Angela has exactly the right blend of experience to lead Pool Re at a time of significant change – through the current Government Review and beyond. Having led another member-based organisation previously and worked as economic secretary to the Treasury – the ministerial office with responsibility for Pool Re - she understands well the challenges and opportunities that we and all our stakeholders face.”

Andrew Skirton has filled the role since previous incumbent Geoff Riddell resigned due to ill health earlier this year.

Julian Enoizi, Pool Re chief executive, said: “The current Government Review is likely to result in some fundamental and far-reaching changes to how Pool Re operates and subsequently for the terrorism insurance market in the UK. Angela has the relevant experience to lead the Board and to help me in guiding our organisation through this period of transition, bringing a blend of political and commercial acumen that Pool Re needs. We look forward to working with her.”