Leadership Overview
Ascot Group has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, regional operations, financial oversight, human capital, and information technology.
Focused on delivering resilient risk solutions, Ascot Group maintains a commitment to agility and discipline while providing specialized insurance and reinsurance coverage across global markets.
Focused on delivering resilient risk solutions, Ascot Group maintains a commitment to agility and discipline while providing specialized insurance and reinsurance coverage across global markets.
Leadership Roles at Ascot Group
Jonathan Zaffino - Group Chief Executive Officer & President
Jonathan Zaffino, the Group Chief Executive Officer & President at Ascot Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for this specialty risk assumption organization. Overseeing the interconnected global platforms, the Group Chief Executive Officer & President ensures that underwriting discipline remains at the core of all insurance and reinsurance activities. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to drive long-term growth and market resilience across the Lloyds and Bermuda platforms. By fostering a culture of collaboration, Jonathan Zaffino aligns the entire enterprise with the mission of solving for complex risk challenges. The Group Chief Executive Officer & President maintains a focus on modern-era insurance solutions, ensuring that the organization adapts to evolving market demands. Through rigorous oversight of global operations, Zaffino secures the company's position as a pre-eminent leader in the specialty risk sector, consistently delivering value to stakeholders while maintaining high standards of operational excellence.

Marc Amen - Chief Executive Officer (North America)
Marc Amen, the Chief Executive Officer (North America) at Ascot Group, manages the strategic expansion and operational performance of the organization across the North American market. Overseeing the integration of regional underwriting offices, the Chief Executive Officer (North America) ensures that risk assumption strategies align with the broader corporate mission of resilience and agility. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and identifying growth opportunities within the U.S. insurance landscape. By optimizing regional workflows, Marc Amen drives the execution of specialty risk solutions that support the company's global footprint. The Chief Executive Officer (North America) collaborates with other executive leaders to maintain consistent underwriting standards and service quality. Through a focus on market-specific needs, Amen strengthens the competitive position of the firm, ensuring that regional operations contribute effectively to the overall financial health and strategic objectives of the organization in the competitive North American insurance sector.

Matthew Kramer - Chief Executive Officer, Ascot (US)
Matthew Kramer, the Chief Executive Officer, Ascot (US) at Ascot Group, leads the specialized underwriting initiatives and platform development within the United States. Overseeing the Ethos and Ascot U.S. platforms, the Chief Executive Officer, Ascot (US) ensures that the organization delivers tailored risk solutions to a diverse client base. This leadership role involves managing the performance of underwriting teams and driving the adoption of modern insurance technologies to enhance service delivery. By focusing on operational efficiency, Matthew Kramer supports the company's mission to provide disciplined risk assumption services. The Chief Executive Officer, Ascot (US) coordinates with the broader executive team to ensure that U.S. operations remain synchronized with global strategic goals. Through the implementation of robust underwriting frameworks, Kramer fosters sustainable growth and maintains the reputation of the firm as a reliable partner in the U.S. insurance market, consistently meeting the complex needs of modern-era risk management.
Robert Houston - Chief Financial Officer
Robert Houston, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascot Group, manages the financial health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing the fiscal planning and reporting processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the necessary liquidity and capital strength to support its global risk assumption activities. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and providing financial insights that guide strategic decision-making across the enterprise. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Robert Houston supports the long-term stability and growth of the firm. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to optimize the balance sheet and ensure that all financial operations align with the company's risk appetite. Through the management of complex financial structures, Houston provides the foundation for the organization to pursue its mission of solving for tomorrow's risks, ensuring that the firm remains a financially resilient leader in the global insurance and reinsurance industry.
Mark Wilcox - Group Chief Financial Officer
Mark Wilcox, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Ascot Group, directs the global financial strategy and reporting framework for the entire organization. Overseeing the consolidation of financial data across all international platforms, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains transparency and compliance with global regulatory standards. This leadership role involves managing investor relations and overseeing the capital structure to support the company's ambitious growth objectives. By providing strategic financial guidance, Mark Wilcox enables the organization to navigate the complexities of the global insurance market with discipline and precision. The Group Chief Financial Officer collaborates with regional financial leaders to ensure consistency in reporting and performance measurement. Through the oversight of enterprise-wide financial health, Wilcox secures the resources necessary for the firm to continue its mission of providing innovative risk solutions, ultimately strengthening the company's position as a pre-eminent specialty risk assumption organization on the global stage.
Shanelle Burke - Chief Financial Officer (US)
Shanelle Burke, the Chief Financial Officer (US) at Ascot Group, manages the financial operations and fiscal integrity of the U.S. platforms. Overseeing the budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for the U.S. business units, the Chief Financial Officer (US) ensures that regional operations remain profitable and aligned with the company's broader financial goals. This leadership role involves monitoring regional performance metrics and implementing cost-management strategies to enhance operational efficiency. By providing detailed financial oversight, Shanelle Burke supports the growth of the U.S. underwriting offices and the Ethos platform. The Chief Financial Officer (US) works in tandem with the Group Chief Financial Officer to ensure that regional financial practices adhere to the firm's global standards. Through the diligent management of U.S. financial resources, Burke enables the organization to maintain its commitment to resilience and discipline, ensuring that the U.S. operations contribute effectively to the overall success of the firm.
Jesse Paulson - Chief Operating Officer (US)
Jesse Paulson, the Chief Operating Officer (US) at Ascot Group, manages the internal processes and operational workflows that support the U.S. business platforms. Overseeing the day-to-day execution of underwriting support and administrative functions, the Chief Operating Officer (US) ensures that the organization operates with maximum efficiency and agility. This leadership role involves optimizing internal systems and coordinating across departments to ensure that the firm meets its service delivery targets. By focusing on operational excellence, Jesse Paulson supports the company's mission to provide disciplined risk solutions. The Chief Operating Officer (US) collaborates with regional leadership to streamline processes and remove bottlenecks, allowing the underwriting teams to focus on their core responsibilities. Through the management of operational infrastructure, Paulson ensures that the U.S. business units remain responsive to market demands, contributing to the overall resilience and success of the firm in the competitive U.S. insurance landscape.
Christopher Burati - Chief of Staff
Christopher Burati, the Chief of Staff at Ascot Group, facilitates the execution of strategic initiatives and coordinates communication across the executive leadership team. Overseeing the alignment of departmental goals, the Chief of Staff ensures that the organization remains focused on its core mission of agility and collaboration. This leadership role involves managing high-priority projects and streamlining decision-making processes to enhance operational efficiency. By acting as a central point of contact for the executive office, Christopher Burati supports the seamless integration of global platforms and regional operations. The Chief of Staff works closely with the leadership team to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring that the firm maintains its competitive edge in the specialty risk sector. Through the management of internal workflows and cross-functional initiatives, Burati drives organizational cohesion, allowing the company to respond effectively to the dynamic challenges of the modern insurance and reinsurance landscape.
Owen Williams - Group Chief Information Officer
Owen Williams, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ascot Group, directs the technological infrastructure and digital transformation strategy for the organization. Overseeing the development of scalable IT systems, the Group Chief Information Officer ensures that the firm leverages data and technology to enhance underwriting precision and operational agility. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity initiatives and integrating advanced analytics into the company's risk assumption processes. By modernizing the technological landscape, Owen Williams supports the firm's mission to solve for complex risks through innovation. The Group Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that digital capabilities align with the company's long-term strategic objectives. Through the implementation of robust IT solutions, Williams enables the organization to maintain its competitive advantage, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of the modern-era insurance and reinsurance industry by providing seamless, technology-driven services to clients globally.
William Thygeson - Group Chief Human Resources Officer
William Thygeson, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascot Group, leads the talent acquisition, development, and organizational culture initiatives for the firm. Overseeing the human capital strategy, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization attracts and retains the top-tier talent necessary to maintain its status as a pre-eminent risk assumption organization. This leadership role involves designing performance management systems and fostering an environment of collaboration and discipline. By aligning workforce capabilities with the company's mission, William Thygeson supports the overall growth and resilience of the enterprise. The Group Chief Human Resources Officer works with the executive team to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the global nature of the business. Through the management of human capital, Thygeson ensures that the firm remains a destination for industry experts, ultimately driving the success of the organization by empowering the people who deliver its specialized insurance solutions.
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