Lancashire Holdings has announced a number of senior management shifts at Lancashire Holdings and Lancashire Insurance.

Retiring Lancashire Syndicates chief executive John Spence will be succeeded by Rachel Sabbarton, chief underwriting officer, Lancashire Insurance.

Ms Sabbarton will retain oversight of marine, energy and speciality insurance classes.

When Hayley Johnston retires as CEO of Lancashire Insurance in the first quarter of 2026, Jennifer Wilson will step into her role, while remaining group financial planning and analysis director.

Group CEO Alex Maloney said Mr Spence and Ms Johnston had long and distinguished careers at Lancashire.

“I would like to thank them for their support, wise counsel and friendship,” he said. “They have both been fantastic ambassadors for Lancashire in their respective markets and have played important roles as senior leaders as the group has grown over the past few years.”

He was particularly pleased to promote people from within Lancashire to replace the outgoing executives.

“Along with the other appointments we are announcing today, it shows the depth of expertise and talent that we have across the Lancashire Group,” he said.

Other moves include Matthew Thomas, who will become CUO at Lancashire Insurance while remaining the active underwriter and CUO of the Lancashire syndicates.

Colette Murphy will be deputy CUO for Lancashire Insurance, and will also become group head of property direct and facultative, replacing Matthew Narbett after his promotion to deputy group CUO.

Mr Thomas, Ms Sabbarton and Ms Wilson’s appointments will be effective during the first quarter of 2026 and are subject to any relevant regulatory approvals.

Tom Sutton has been appointed deputy active underwriter for Syndicate 2010, while David Chalk is now deputy active underwriter for Syndicate 3010.

Mr Sutton and Mr Chalk will also continue in their existing roles in the treaty and construction teams respectively.

Jon Barnes will take on Ms Johnston’s responsibilities as reinsurance manager as part of his role as group underwriting director.

Mr Sutton, Mr Chalk and Ms Murphy’s appointments are effective immediately.