In a move to reinforce operational strength and prepare for future expansion, specialist insurer Hiscox and insurtech innovator Send Technology have each announced significant leadership appointments.
These appointments signal both companies’ ongoing commitment to innovation, people development, and performance excellence in the evolving insurance industry.
Hiscox Names Harriet Hanna as COO of Syndicate Business
Hiscox has appointed Harriet Hanna as the new chief operating officer (COO) of Hiscox Syndicates Ltd (HSL), the company’s Lloyd’s of London managing agent, pending regulatory approval.
HSL is responsible for underwriting capacity across multiple Hiscox business units, including Hiscox London Market.
Hanna will officially assume the role in September 2025, succeeding Adam Rushin, who is set to retire after a remarkable 25-year career at Hiscox. She brings with her more than two decades of experience in financial services and technology, having held senior positions at Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Amazon, and most recently, as chief operations officer at Funding Circle Ltd.
In her upcoming role, Hanna will lead HSL’s operations and change teams, ensuring that all syndicate activities meet compliance standards and service-level expectations. Her focus will include strengthening operational efficiency and supporting the London Market’s ambitious growth agenda.
Operating from Hiscox’s London office, Hanna will report to Hiscox London Market CEO Kate Markham and serve on both the London Market leadership team and the HSL board.
According to Markham, “Harriet’s experience in digital, data, and AI aligns perfectly with our priorities as we scale and modernise. I would also like to thank Adam for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the last decade within our London Market business.”
Also Read: Specialist Risk Group and Asta Announce Key Leadership Appointments
Send Technology Appoints Will Sparkes as Chief People Officer
Meanwhile, Send Technology, a fast-growing insurtech platform, has appointed Will Sparkes as its new chief people officer to support its continued international expansion.
Sparkes brings a strong track record in talent strategy and people development, having previously held senior HR leadership roles at MetLife, Informa, and several high-growth tech companies.
As Send evolves into a global, remote-first organisation, Sparkes will lead efforts to build scalable performance frameworks and support employee development across geographies. His appointment underlines the company’s focus on culture, collaboration, and growth readiness.
CEO Andy Moss described the hire as a strategic step forward. “This appointment demonstrates our commitment to nurturing our culture while embedding the structure we need for growth,” he said.
Sparkes also shared his enthusiasm about joining Send. “I look forward to enhancing the company’s employee-first culture and helping every team member thrive as we grow.”
Also Read: How the AI Revolution Has Affected the Insurance Industry
Powering Insurance Innovation with Talent and Technology
Send’s AI-driven underwriting workbench automates manual workflows and supports over £30 billion in gross written premiums across the commercial and specialty insurance sectors. Its success has positioned the firm as a go-to platform for modern insurers seeking to improve efficiency and decision-making.
As the insurance industry continues to evolve, the combination of experienced talent and cutting-edge technology will be essential for sustainable growth. With these new appointments, both Hiscox and Send Technology are doubling down on leadership that enables innovation, empowers teams, and delivers long-term value.
