Ascot hires Edwards as Group Head Ceded Re, tasked to harmonize strategy with Leadline

Ascot Group, the specialist global re/insurance underwriter, has appointed Ashleigh Edwards as Group Head of Ceded Reinsurance, where she will oversee the firm’s global ceded reinsurance strategy and harmonize it with Leadline Capital Partners, the company’s third-party capital management platform.

Edwards joins the organisation from global reinsurer and third-party capital manager RenaissanceRe, where she spent more than six years, most recently as SVP, Global Head of Casualty Reinsurance.

Overall, she brings around 30 years of extensive industry experience towards her new role at Ascot, having previously held actuarial, underwriting and leadership roles at Tokio Millennium Re, Allied World Re, Aspen Re and QBE Insurance.

According to Ascot, in her new role, Edwards will collaborate with Ceded Reinsurance leaders in the UK, Bermuda, and the U.S. to align strategy and resources, strengthen partnerships, and also boost Ascot’s global market presence.

As mentioned, Edwards will also be tasked with harmonizing Leadline Capital Partners and Ceded Re strategies to optimise long-term outcomes.

As a reminder, Ascot launched its third-party reinsurance capital management and ILS style business arm, Leadline Capital Partners, in August 2024.

Then, in July last year, Ascot and Antares Capital launched a $500 million casualty reinsurance sidecar called Wayfare Re, which is managed through the Leadline platform and provides dedicated underwriting capacity for Ascot’s casualty offerings.

Shortly following the launch of Wayfare Re, Artemis spoke with Mark Wilcox, Group Chief Financial Officer of Ascot, who explained that the launch of the casualty reinsurance sidecar is a key development as Ascot Group continues to build out its Leadline Capital Partners business.

Mark Pepper, Group Chief Underwriting Officer, and to whom Edwards will report, commented: “Ascot’s global organisation continues to grow, and managing our risk exposure through our Ceded Re trading relationships is critical to our long-term financial success.

Adding: “Ashleigh’s extensive experience, expertise and skills, alongside those of the talented professionals we have leading our regions, will support trusted partnerships with our reinsurers, enabling us to be a more perfect partner for our clients.”