Re/insurer Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd has appointed Richard Lightowler to its board as a non-executive director.

Mr. Lightowler is currently a non-executive director of Oakley Capital Investments Ltd and Hansa Investment Company Ltd.

Mr Lightowler has over 25 years in public accounting and was notably partner with KPMG for almost 19 years. While at KPMG he also served as head of the insurance practice and a member of the firm’s Global Insurance Leadership Team.

Mr Lightowler has worked with many large international reinsurance and insurance groups and also brings significant risk, governance and transaction experience including working with both UK and US stock exchanges, Aspen said in a statement.

Aspen also announced today that Gordon Ireland, non-executive director and current chairman of the Audit Committee will be stepping down from the Board at the Company’s Annual General Meeting in 2021.

Mr Ireland’s departure comes after more than seven years’ service, and it is anticipated that Lightowler will succeed Gordon as chairman of the Audit Committee at that time, Aspen added

Gary Parr has also stepped down from Aspen’s board with immediate effect. Mr Parr is a senior managing director and Executive Committee member of Apollo Global Management and was appointed as a director of Aspen on February 15, 2019 at the time of Apollo’s acquisition of the company.

Mr Lightowler said: “I am excited to be joining the board of Aspen at this important time in the company’s evolution. Under the new management team, the business is well positioned to create significant value and to deliver on its potential as a leading market for risk solutions.

“I look forward to working with fellow board members, and the wider leadership team, to help Aspen continue its trajectory and focus on value creation.”

Mark Cloutier, executive chairman and group chief executive officer, said: “I am delighted that Richard is joining the Aspen board. His extensive experience in the sector will complement our existing strong team of directors.

“His new insights and expertise will be invaluable as we continue our journey to transition the business as a solution provider and risk transformer.

“I would like to thank Gordon and Gary for their significant contributions to the board during their tenure and we wish them well in their future endeavours.”