Ascot Group Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ascot Group has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and underwriting.

Driven by a mission to solve for your brightest tomorrow, Ascot Group operates as a pre-eminent specialty risk assumption organization, leveraging global platforms for agile, collaborative, and resilient insurance and reinsurance solutions.

Leadership Roles at Ascot Group

  • Group Chief Executive Officer & President - Jonathan Zaffino
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda) - Marc Amen
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Houston
  • Chief Financial Officer (US) - Shanelle Burke
  • President, Ascot Re (US) - Rory Cline
  • Chief of Staff - Christopher Burati
  • Chief Information Officer (US) - Andrew MacDonald
  • Group Chief Information Officer - Michael Kerrigan
  • Group Chief Information Officer - Owen Williams
  • Group Chief Human Resources Officer - William Thygeson
  • Jonathan Zaffino - Group Chief Executive Officer & President

    Jonathan Zaffino, the Group Chief Executive Officer & President at Ascot Group, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the global specialty risk assumption organization. Zaffino architects the company's vision, ensuring alignment across its interconnected platforms in Bermuda, the U.S., and Lloyd's. This leadership role involves driving the core mission of solving for brighter tomorrows through disciplined execution and fostering a culture of agility and collaboration. Overseeing the entire enterprise, Jonathan Zaffino ensures that Ascot's insurance and reinsurance solutions meet evolving market demands and client needs across all geographies. The President's responsibilities extend to championing the company's growth initiatives and maintaining its position as a pre-eminent specialty risk provider, directly impacting financial performance and market reputation.
    Jonathan Zaffino

    Marc Amen - Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda)

    Marc Amen, the Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda) at Ascot Group, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the company's Bermuda platform. Amen oversees all aspects of the Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance operations, ensuring alignment with the group's global mission and financial objectives. This executive role involves driving growth, managing risk, and fostering a culture of discipline and resilience within the Bermuda entity. The Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda) works to enhance the platform's market position and deliver innovative solutions to clients across various specialty risk areas. By providing decisive leadership, Marc Amen ensures the continued success and strategic contribution of Ascot's significant Bermuda operations to the overall enterprise.

    Robert Houston - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Houston, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascot Group, manages the comprehensive financial strategy and fiscal operations for the global enterprise. Houston oversees all aspects of financial planning, analysis, reporting, and capital management, ensuring the organization's financial health and stability. This critical role involves guiding investment strategies and optimizing resource allocation across Ascot's diverse platforms, including its U.S. and Bermuda operations. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with executive leadership to translate financial insights into actionable business strategies, supporting the company's mission of providing resilient insurance and reinsurance solutions. By maintaining rigorous financial discipline, Robert Houston directly contributes to Ascot's capacity for innovation and its ability to navigate complex market dynamics, securing long-term value for stakeholders.
    Robert Houston

    Shanelle Burke - Chief Financial Officer (US)

    Shanelle Burke, the Chief Financial Officer (US) at Ascot Group, directs the financial operations and strategic planning specifically for the company's United States entities, including Ascot U.S. and Ethos platforms. Burke manages all U.S.-based financial activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and optimizing fiscal performance within the American market. This leadership position involves close collaboration with the Group Chief Financial Officer to integrate U.S. financial strategies into the broader global framework. The Chief Financial Officer (US) plays a vital part in driving revenue growth and managing expenses for the U.S. operations, supporting Ascot's commitment to providing resilient insurance solutions. Shanelle Burke's oversight ensures the financial integrity and strategic direction of Ascot's significant presence in the United States.

    Rory Cline - President, Ascot Re (US)

    Rory Cline, the President, Ascot Re (US) at Ascot Group, directs the strategic growth and operational oversight of the company's U.S. reinsurance platform. Cline is responsible for leading the Ascot Re U.S. team in developing and executing innovative reinsurance solutions tailored to the North American market. This leadership position involves managing underwriting operations, fostering client relationships, and ensuring financial performance aligns with group objectives. The President, Ascot Re (US) plays a crucial role in expanding market share and reinforcing Ascot's reputation for resilience and discipline. By driving strategic initiatives, Rory Cline directly contributes to the company's mission of providing robust risk transfer capabilities and supporting the long-term success of its U.S. clients.
    Rory Cline

    Christopher Burati - Chief of Staff

    Christopher Burati, the Chief of Staff at Ascot Group, provides strategic support and operational coordination across the executive leadership team. Burati facilitates the execution of key initiatives, ensuring seamless communication and alignment between departments and global platforms. This role involves managing special projects, driving process improvements, and enhancing organizational efficiency to support Ascot's mission of solving for brighter tomorrows. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, bridging strategic objectives with day-to-day operations to foster agility and collaboration. By streamlining workflows and optimizing resource deployment, Christopher Burati directly contributes to the company's ability to deliver innovative insurance and reinsurance solutions across its U.S., Bermuda, and Lloyd's operations.

    Andrew MacDonald - Chief Information Officer (US)

    Andrew MacDonald, the Chief Information Officer (US) at Ascot Group, spearheads the technology strategy and digital infrastructure for the company's United States operations. MacDonald oversees the development and implementation of IT solutions that support Ascot U.S. and Ethos platforms, ensuring robust cybersecurity and operational efficiency. This role involves driving technological innovation to enhance underwriting capabilities and client service delivery within the U.S. market. The Chief Information Officer (US) collaborates with global IT leadership to align U.S. technology initiatives with the broader enterprise objectives of agility and resilience. By optimizing digital resources, Andrew MacDonald directly contributes to Ascot's ability to provide cutting-edge insurance and reinsurance solutions across the United States.

    Michael Kerrigan - Group Chief Information Officer

    Michael Kerrigan, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ascot Group, directs the global technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives across all platforms. Kerrigan oversees the development and deployment of enterprise-wide IT infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and data management systems, ensuring operational resilience and agility. This leadership position involves fostering innovation in technology to support Ascot's mission of solving for brighter tomorrows through advanced insurance and reinsurance solutions. The Group Chief Information Officer collaborates with regional IT leaders, including the U.S. CIO, to ensure cohesive technology roadmaps and efficient resource allocation worldwide. By driving technological advancements, Michael Kerrigan enhances Ascot's competitive edge and its capacity to serve clients globally.

    Owen Williams - Group Chief Information Officer

    Owen Williams, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ascot Group, drives the global information technology strategy and execution across the organization's diverse platforms. Williams focuses on enhancing digital capabilities, ensuring robust cybersecurity, and optimizing IT infrastructure to support Ascot's core mission of providing specialty risk solutions. This role involves leading technological innovation to foster agility and collaboration throughout the enterprise, impacting both insurance and reinsurance operations. The Group Chief Information Officer works to integrate advanced technological solutions that streamline processes and improve data analytics, directly supporting strategic decision-making. By championing digital transformation, Owen Williams strengthens Ascot's operational resilience and its capacity to adapt to evolving market demands worldwide.

    William Thygeson - Group Chief Human Resources Officer

    William Thygeson, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascot Group, leads the global human capital strategy and organizational development initiatives. Thygeson oversees talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation, and benefits programs designed to attract and retain top talent across Ascot's international operations. This executive role is pivotal in cultivating a high-performance culture that embodies the company's values of agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline. The Group Chief Human Resources Officer works closely with executive leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring that the workforce is equipped to drive innovation in insurance and reinsurance solutions. By fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment, William Thygeson directly contributes to Ascot's sustained success and its ability to solve for brighter tomorrows.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ascot Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ascot Group?
    Ascot Group is led by Jonathan Zaffino (Group Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as Marc Amen (Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda)) and Robert Houston (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Ascot Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ascot Group includes leaders such as Jonathan Zaffino (Group Chief Executive Officer & President), Marc Amen (Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda)), Robert Houston (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ascot Group have?
    Ascot Group has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ascot Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ascot Group includes roles such as Group Chief Executive Officer & President, Interim Chief Executive Officer (Bermuda), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (US), President, Ascot Re (US).