JOHNNY ROWELL LEAVES BEAZLEY

Johnny Rowell, head of specialty lines at UK-based insurer Beazley, is to leave the company, it was announced this morning. Specialty lines form the largest part of Beazley’s business, although rates fell by 7% last year. The company said recently that any exposure to subprime-related legal action would be within its reserves. Mr Rowell, who is in his mid-40s, is highly regarded within the industry. Beazley has also announced senior executive changes, with Andrew Beazley moving to the post of Deputy Chairman. Group finance director Andrew Horton has been appointed to succeed Mr Beazley as CEO. A new group finance director is being sought.