Pool Re appoints Andrew Stark as head of underwriting  

Pool Re, the UK’s foremost terrorism reinsurance provider, has announced the appointment of Andrew Stark as head of underwriting.  

Stark joins Pool Re in this newly created role, assuming responsibilities with immediate effect, as the organisation prepares for a significant shift in its reinsurance structure. 

In April 2025, Pool Re will transition from its current facultative obligatory treaty to an annual aggregate excess of loss (XOL) treaty structure. Stark, with over 20 years of experience as a Lloyd’s underwriter, will report directly to Pool Re’s chief underwriting officer, Jonathan Gray, bringing his extensive expertise to support this upcoming transformation. 

Stark joins from his recent role at Chaucer, where he conducted an expert peer review for the international property catastrophe XOL portfolio. His background also includes roles as Head of Property at Chord Re and various senior positions at Lloyd’s syndicates, including Barbican, Vibe, and Markel. 

Jonathan Gray, Pool Re’s chief underwriting officer, expressed enthusiasm over the appointment, commenting, “We are pleased to welcome Andrew as the new head of underwriting. His extensive expertise in global treaty underwriting will be invaluable in supporting the transformation efforts as we navigate the changes to our reinsurance scheme, and continue to support the resilience of the UK economy.” 

Stark also shared his excitement about the new role, highlighting Pool Re’s crucial function in strengthening the UK’s resilience against terrorism. “Pool Re plays a vital role in supporting the insurance market to help build national resilience against terrorism, and I am delighted to join at such an exciting time. Supported by extremely talented underwriters, I look forward to working with Jonathan to ensure the success of the scheme and the positive impact the changes will have on members, customers, and the terrorism insurance market,” Stark commented. 

Image: Pool Re  

Josie Geistfeld Josie is an editor for Claims Media. She welcomes feedback, comments, and opinion at josie.geistfeld@barkerbrooks.co.uk