Chief Underwriting Officer

Job DescriptionAt Lista Ventures, we are partnering with a well-established and globally active reinsurance firm. We are leading a confidential search for a strategic and technically exceptional Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO). This role is central to driving underwriting excellence, profitability, and portfolio optimization across a multi-line reinsurance business, with responsibility spanning property, casualty, treaty, and facultative risks.The CUO will work at the highest level of influence in the business, partnering with divisional leaders, actuaries, audit and compliance heads, and executive management to define, implement, and continuously improve the firm's underwriting framework. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior underwriting executive to shape direction and performance at scale.The RoleAs CUO, you will oversee corporate underwriting strategy, guidelines, authority frameworks, and audit processes. Youll ensure technical excellence and compliance while empowering underwriting teams across multiple product lines and jurisdictions. The position also involves direct oversight of internal contract wording, cycle management, and underwriting governance, with a strong emphasis on modernization, data, and analytics.You will act as a key representative on group boards, enterprise risk committees, and underwriting leadership forums.Key ResponsibilitiesPortfolio Strategy & Technical ExcellenceLead and refine underwriting strategy across lines of business (property, casualty, treaty, facultative)Drive adoption of tools, segmentation models, technical pricing structures, and data-enhanced underwritingImplement cycle management strategies to optimize performance across market conditionsManage internal underwriting guidelines, referral policies, and pricing frameworksServe as a referral point for complex or high-exposure accountsUnderwriting Governance & ControlsOversee contract wording and corporate underwriting complianceLead internal audit processes and ensure timely implementation of recommendationsMonitor gross/net premium exposure, CAT accumulations, and risk tolerancesRepresent the underwriting division on enterprise risk and product governance boardsTalent Development & ModernizationShape and upskill the underwriting function to align with evolving risk landscapes and digital capabilitiesDefine training strategies informed by audits, market trends, and business performanceGuide the cultural development of the underwriting organization to remain agile, collaborative, and data-literateOperational & Financial OversightManage underwriting budget and cost controls aligned with business plansOversee reinsurance program placements and internal retro strategiesContribute directly to corporate planning and cross-functional strategic initiativesWhat Were Looking For Must-Haves20+ years in (re)insurance underwriting, with deep technical expertise across P&C and treatyExperience managing cross-line portfolios and leading underwriting operations at executive levelProven track record of underwriting governance, audit process design, and risk managementStrategic mindset with commercial sensitivity and global perspectiveExceptional communication skills with comfort influencing at board levelStrong familiarity with regulatory environments and operational controlsBachelors degree required; professional certifications (CPCU, FCAS, etc.) preferred Nice-to-HavesExperience leading underwriting modernization efforts (data tools, pricing tech, automation)Exposure to M&A, new product development, or rapid scaling within reinsuranceHands-on experience in portfolio analytics and CAT modelling strategyPrior involvement with underwriting compliance and contract frameworks across multiple marketsWhy Join?Shape the underwriting strategy of a growing, ambitious global reinsurance firmOperate with full executive visibility and influenceCompetitive package with performance-based incentives, 10% non-contributory pension, and comprehensive benefitsCulture of innovation, international collaboration, and operational disciplineThis is a confidential retained search. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.For more information, contact the executive search team at Lista Ventures.

Created: 2025-06-18