Bermudian-based Ascot Group has appointed Dane Lopes as head of US Partnership Engagement & Strategy.

He will report to Matthew Kramer, chief executive officer, Ascot US.

In this newly-created role, Mr Lopes will be responsible for all aspects of the Ascot US distribution and sales strategy in support of the platform’s growth and profitability objectives.

Mr Kramer said: “Ascot prides itself on focusing on our clients across all of our global platforms. Under Dane’s leadership, we will continue to foster strong relationships with our US partners.

“Dane is a seasoned distribution professional and well-versed in the market. His proven leadership skills, deep relationships across multiple distribution channels in the specialty market, and decades of experience implementing a customer-focused distribution plan, will enable us to profitably grow our business where we see strategic opportunity.”

Mr Lopes joins Ascot from Vantage Risk, where he served as chief commercial officer, responsible for building and leading the company’s commercial strategy, including all broker and client engagement, business development, and marketing initiatives.

Previously, he spent six years at Everest Re Group as chief commercial officer for the company’s insurance division and group chief communications officer.

Mr Lopes said: “It is an exciting time at Ascot – the company is on an impressive growth trajectory, and I am thrilled to join this team of collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial risk professionals.

“I look forward to leading our experienced partnership engagement team members while working closely with our underwriting leaders as we deepen relationships, drive relevance, and deliver solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients across the US.”