Ascot Group Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to innovation, Ascot Group is dedicated to solving for a brighter tomorrow through agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline, providing global insurance and reinsurance solutions.

Leadership Roles at Ascot Group

  • Group Chief Executive Officer & President - Jonathan Zaffino
  • Chief Financial Officer - Robert Houston
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Mark Wilcox
  • Chief Financial Officer (US) - Shanelle Burke
  • Chief Operating Officer, US - Jesse Paulson
  • Chief of Staff - Christopher Burati
  • Group Chief Information Officer - Owen Williams
  • Chief Information Officer (US) - Andrew MacDonald
  • Group Chief Human Resources Officer - William Thygeson
  • Group Chief Information Officer - Michael Kerrigan
  • 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 guides the company's mission to provide insurance and reinsurance solutions worldwide, leveraging interconnected global platforms. Overseeing the strategic direction, the Group Chief Executive Officer & President ensures alignment across Ascot's Lloyds and Bermuda platforms, as well as its U.S. operations via Ascot U.S. and Ethos. This leadership role involves driving growth and fostering resilience within the insurance and reinsurance markets. By championing agility and collaboration, Jonathan Zaffino solidifies Ascot's position as a pre-eminent specialty risk assumption entity, focused on solving for clients' brightest tomorrows through disciplined execution and a forward-thinking approach.
    Jonathan Zaffino

    Robert Houston - Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Houston, the Chief Financial Officer at Ascot Group, oversees the financial strategy and performance of the global specialty risk assumption organization. Houston manages all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and capital management, ensuring the company's fiscal health and stability. This leadership position is crucial for supporting Ascot's mission to provide insurance and reinsurance solutions globally through its Lloyds and Bermuda platforms, and in the U.S. via the Ascot U.S. and Ethos platforms. By driving financial discipline and optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer enables the company's agile and resilient operations. Robert Houston's expertise ensures that financial operations align with strategic objectives, reinforcing Ascot's commitment to solving for a brighter tomorrow.
    Robert Houston

    Mark Wilcox - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Mark Wilcox, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Ascot Group, manages the comprehensive financial operations and strategic financial planning for the global entity. Wilcox oversees capital allocation, financial reporting, and risk management, ensuring the fiscal integrity and sustainable growth of the organization. This critical role supports Ascot's mission to deliver specialized insurance and reinsurance solutions worldwide by maintaining strong financial discipline and optimizing profitability. The Group Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in guiding investment decisions and ensuring compliance across all operating platforms, including Lloyds and Bermuda. Mark Wilcox's financial acumen is essential for driving operational resilience and achieving the company's long-term objectives, reinforcing its commitment to solving for a brighter tomorrow.

    Shanelle Burke - Chief Financial Officer (US)

    Shanelle Burke, the Chief Financial Officer (US) at Ascot Group, leads the financial strategy and management for the company's United States operations. Burke is responsible for overseeing the financial health and performance of Ascot U.S. and Ethos platforms, ensuring robust fiscal management and strategic resource deployment. This position is integral to supporting Ascot's mission of providing specialized insurance and reinsurance solutions within the U.S. market with agility and resilience. By driving financial planning, analysis, and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer (US) enhances operational efficiency and supports sustainable growth. Shanelle Burke's financial leadership ensures that U.S. financial operations are aligned with global objectives, contributing to the company's success in solving for a brighter tomorrow.

    Jesse Paulson - Chief Operating Officer, US

    Jesse Paulson, the Chief Operating Officer, US at Ascot Group, directs the operational strategy and execution for the company's United States business units. Paulson oversees the day-to-day management of Ascot U.S. and Ethos platforms, ensuring seamless delivery of insurance and reinsurance solutions across the region. This leadership position is vital for implementing the company's mission of agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline within the U.S. market. By optimizing operational processes and fostering cross-functional teamwork, the Chief Operating Officer, US enhances efficiency and client satisfaction. Jesse Paulson's focus on operational excellence drives the company's growth and reinforces its commitment to solving for a brighter tomorrow in the U.S. specialty risk sector.
    Jesse Paulson

    Christopher Burati - Chief of Staff

    Christopher Burati, the Chief of Staff at Ascot Group, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational efficiency across the organization. Burati supports the executive leadership team in executing the company's mission to solve for a brighter tomorrow through agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects and ensuring seamless communication between departments and global platforms. The Chief of Staff plays a critical part in translating high-level strategy into actionable plans, supporting the delivery of insurance and reinsurance solutions globally. By managing key priorities and driving key organizational objectives, Christopher Burati enhances the effectiveness of Ascot's leadership, contributing to the company's standing as a pre-eminent specialty risk assumption organization.

    Owen Williams - Group Chief Information Officer

    Owen Williams, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ascot Group, architects and directs the global technology strategy and infrastructure. Williams ensures that Ascot's digital ecosystem supports its mission of providing agile, collaborative, and resilient insurance and reinsurance solutions worldwide. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of innovative technological platforms across all operating regions, including Lloyds, Bermuda, and the U.S. The Group Chief Information Officer drives the integration of advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and client service. By championing digital transformation, Owen Williams strengthens Ascot's capacity to solve complex risks and deliver exceptional value, reinforcing the company's position as a pre-eminent specialty risk assumption organization.

    Andrew MacDonald - Chief Information Officer (US)

    Andrew MacDonald, the Chief Information Officer (US) at Ascot Group, leads the technology strategy and execution specifically for the United States operations. MacDonald ensures that the U.S. platforms, including Ascot U.S. and Ethos, are equipped with robust and scalable IT infrastructure to support the delivery of specialized insurance and reinsurance solutions. This role focuses on driving technological innovation and operational excellence within the U.S. market, aligning IT initiatives with the company's broader mission of agility and resilience. By overseeing the deployment of critical technology systems, the Chief Information Officer (US) enhances Ascot's ability to meet the evolving needs of its clients across the United States. Andrew MacDonald's leadership ensures that U.S. technology operations are optimized for growth and efficiency.

    William Thygeson - Group Chief Human Resources Officer

    William Thygeson, the Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Ascot Group, shapes and executes the global human capital strategy. Thygeson is responsible for cultivating a high-performance culture that embodies Ascot's core values of agility, collaboration, resilience, and discipline. This role involves overseeing talent acquisition, development, compensation, and employee engagement across all international platforms. The Group Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that Ascot attracts and retains top talent, critical for delivering specialized insurance and reinsurance solutions worldwide. By fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment, William Thygeson strengthens the organization's ability to innovate and achieve its strategic objectives, contributing to the company's mission of solving for a brighter tomorrow.

    Michael Kerrigan - Group Chief Information Officer

    Michael Kerrigan, the Group Chief Information Officer at Ascot Group, drives the strategic vision and implementation of technology across the organization's global operations. Kerrigan ensures that Ascot's IT infrastructure and digital capabilities effectively support its mission to provide agile and resilient specialty risk assumption solutions. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of advanced technologies and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and client service across Lloyds, Bermuda, and U.S. platforms. The Group Chief Information Officer champions innovation in technology to address complex risks and drive business growth. Michael Kerrigan's expertise is pivotal in maintaining Ascot's technological edge and reinforcing its commitment to solving for a brighter tomorrow through robust digital solutions.

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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 Robert Houston (Chief Financial Officer) and Mark Wilcox (Group 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), Robert Houston (Chief Financial Officer), Mark Wilcox (Group 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, Chief Financial Officer, Group Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (US), Chief Operating Officer, US.