Tokio Marine Kiln and Hampden Risk Partners have both announced key appointments that signal fresh momentum in their underwriting teams.
At Tokio Marine Kiln, Adele Beresford has joined the Life Sciences underwriting team. Coming from CNA Hardy, where she worked in Financial Lines underwriting, Beresford brings a strong mix of scientific knowledge and underwriting skills. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology from Curtin University. In her new role, Beresford will report to Kirsten Shastri, the head of Life Sciences at Tokio Marine Kiln. Her addition is expected to help the company offer more tailored insurance products for life sciences firms, from emerging start-ups to established companies pushing critical research forward. Shastri emphasized the value of having someone with both scientific and underwriting expertise as the life sciences field evolves rapidly.
Meanwhile, over at Hampden Risk Partners, Giancarlo D’Alessandro has been promoted to active underwriter for Syndicate 2689 at Lloyd’s. D’Alessandro, who joined Hampden in July 2024 as head of portfolio underwriting, steps into the role previously held by Chris Sharp. Sharp plans to leave the company in early 2026 after the 2026 renewal process. Alongside D’Alessandro’s promotion, Leah Rose, who has been general counsel and claims director since 2022, will become syndicate CEO. Both appointments are pending regulatory approval.
Stephen Harris, group CEO at Hampden, praised the new leadership team for building a strong, profitable platform since 2022. He also noted that all staff have capital commitments within the syndicate, which are set to increase each year. D’Alessandro and Rose will have support from experienced advisers, including Joe Battle and Mark Clements. Hampden Risk Partners is known for providing capital access across a balanced range of risks, often supporting syndicates in ways that traditional third-party capital can’t match.
These moves at Tokio Marine Kiln and Hampden Risk Partners come as both firms look to strengthen their underwriting capabilities and adapt to the evolving insurance market. With Beresford’s scientific background and D’Alessandro’s underwriting expertise, each company is positioning itself for growth and innovation.