This week, two major insurance firms, Specialist Risk Group (SRG) and Asta, unveiled strategic leadership changes that underscore their long-term growth ambitions. Neil Nimmo (pictured) has been named UK Chief Executive at SRG, while Stuart Logue steps in as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Asta.
Specialist Risk Group Names Former Lockton Executive as UK CEO
SRG, a fast-growing insurance intermediary, has appointed Neil Nimmo as its UK chief executive. The move comes as part of the company’s broader global expansion strategy. It follows the earlier appointment of Collin Yap as CEO for the Asia-Pacific region in 2024.
Nimmo brings with him over 17 years of experience at Lockton, where he held top roles as CEO and Chairman. There, he led significant growth efforts and oversaw large-scale expansion projects. His leadership in strategy, business execution, and market growth makes him well-suited for his new responsibilities at SRG.
In this new role, Nimmo will oversee the company’s retail, wholesale, and underwriting divisions. These segments have played a major role in SRG’s recent performance. He will also join the SRG Operating Board and the Group Executive Committee, pending regulatory approval.
“Neil’s decision to join us is a strong endorsement of our strategy and a reflection of the unique platform we’re building at SRG,” said Warren Downey, co-founder of Specialist Risk Group.
Founded in 2019 by Warren Downey and Lee Anderson, SRG has grown rapidly. Backed by investments from Warburg Pincus and Temasek, the group now reports over £250 million in revenue and employs around 1,500 professionals. Notably, half of its workforce operates outside the UK, highlighting the firm’s international focus.
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Asta Bolsters Leadership Team with CFO Appointment and Board Enhancements
Meanwhile, Asta, a leading third-party managing agent at Lloyd’s, has also made a significant leadership change. Stuart Logue has been named the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, subject to regulatory approval. He replaces Richard Barke, who will move into a senior leadership role at Davies, Asta’s parent company.
Logue comes with more than 30 years of experience in financial leadership across the insurance and financial services sectors. Most recently, he served as interim CEO at Flood Re, after previously acting as its CFO. His background also includes key positions at HomeServe, Ageas UK, Canopius Group, Direct Line Group, and RBS.
This appointment is part of a broader leadership enhancement at Asta. The company recently welcomed Sian Fisher and Andrew Neden to its board as independent non-executive directors.
Neden will take on the role of audit committee chair. With over four decades in financial services, he brings deep expertise in governance and risk. Fisher, on the other hand, offers over 20 years of senior leadership experience in insurance. Her prior roles include executive positions at Hiscox Insurance and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Strategic Implications for the Insurance Sector
These executive appointments signal renewed momentum across both organizations. For SRG, Nimmo’s appointment strengthens its UK operations while aligning leadership with its global ambitions. His experience leading at Lockton positions him to scale SRG’s presence in a competitive market.
Meanwhile, Asta’s new CFO and board additions reflect its focus on strong financial oversight, strategic governance, and continued growth within Lloyd’s market operations.
The appointment of seasoned professionals such as Logue, Neden, and Fisher also reflects growing demand for executives with cross-functional expertise. As the insurance industry faces evolving risks—from regulatory challenges to digital disruption—strong, agile leadership remains a critical asset.
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Final Thoughts
Both Specialist Risk Group and Asta are aligning their leadership teams for long-term success. These appointments not only fill key roles but also reflect each firm’s strategic direction. By prioritizing experienced executives, both organizations aim to stay ahead of industry changes while delivering value to clients and stakeholders.
As the insurance industry in the UK continues to evolve, strong leadership will be key to navigating uncertainty, scaling operations, and building sustainable, global brands.
