Carrick Group, a Bermuda-based international non-life legacy insurer, has announced that senior vice-president, operations, Alex Smith, has succeeded Phil Hernon as chief operating officer.

Mr Hernon, who has been with Carrick since it was founded in 2019, previously served as both COO and chief commercial officer. Effective November 1, 2026, he continues as chief commercial officer.

Chief executive officer Tom Nichols said Carrick had a large number of potential transactions in the pipeline, and the company was responding to this growth potential by allowing Mr Hernon to focus on new business opportunities.

Mr Smith, who is based in London, has been in the insurance industry since 1997, and his previous companies include Liberty Special Markets, Brit, Swiss Re, Pen Underwriting and PoloWorks.

Carrick’s non-life run-off business has operations in Bermuda, the UK, and the United States. Reinsurance is provided by Carrick Re, a Bermudian-based Class 3A insurer.

“As Carrick continues to grow and evolve, the time is right for me to hand over the COO responsibilities to someone who also has a deep understanding of our business, culture, people, and underwriting philosophy,” said Mr Hernon.

“Alex has been with Carrick for over a year, but long before his arrival he was identified as the natural successor to me in this role.

“I am delighted to be passing the COO responsibilities to someone who is exceptionally capable, knowledgeable and committed. This transition will allow me to focus fully on my role as chief commercial officer, strengthening relationships across the global market and supporting Carrick's next phase of growth.”

Mr Smith said: “My priority as COO is to maintain the strong operational foundation that Phil has built, and to ensure that we continue to onboard and integrate new transactions efficiently as the business grows.”