Housley named active underwriting at 1861

FLAGSTONE Syndicate Management’s director of underwriting, Richard Housley, will take over as active underwriter of syndicate 1861 in the wake of the retirement of incumbent, Les Allen. Allen, a 40-year veteran of the London insurance market, will remain a consultant to Flagstone, in particular helping Chris Jarvis, who will take over the lead on the marine excess-of-loss account. Housley, a former chief executive of the specialty lines division at Axis, joined Flagstone in January and will retain his director of underwriting responsibilities in addition to his new role. Flagstone Re’s chief executive, David Brown, said: “I greatly appreciate the commitment shown by [Allen] and his support during the transition following 1861’s acquisition by Flagstone in 2008. [He] has been a well-regarded leader within the London market for many years.”