By Evans MomoduPublished 21:54 UK GMTHiscox, the prominent London-listed insurer, is reportedly close to appointing a new chairman, nearly eight months after the tragic death of Jonathan Bloomer aboard the luxury yacht *Bayesian*, owned by tech billionaire Mike Lynch.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Richard Berliand — currently chairman of interdealer broker TP ICAP — is among a shortlist of final candidates being considered to succeed Bloomer. Industry insiders suggest fewer than a handful of contenders remain in the running.
Bloomer, a former CEO of Prudential and a respected figure in the UK financial sector, died in August 2024 in a high-profile maritime disaster off the coast of Sicily. The incident claimed the lives of seven people, including Lynch and his daughter.
He had only served as Hiscox chairman for a year at the time of his passing but had already earned respect within the company and across the insurance sector.
While the identities of the remaining candidates remain undisclosed, the potential appointment of Richard Berliand signals a possible shift in boardroom strategy at Hiscox. Berliand brings extensive experience in capital markets and financial services, which could help steer the company through ongoing industry challenges.
The selection of a new chairman marks a critical milestone in Hiscox’s boardroom succession plan and could impact investor sentiment as the company continues to rebuild leadership stability in the wake of last year’s tragedy.
Source:
Sky News
