Ascot Group has appointed Ashleigh Edwards as group head of ceded reinsurance, effective from 5 January 2026.

According to the insurer, Edwards will have “ultimate responsibility” for its ceded reinsurance strategy across its global platforms.

Her responsibilities include supervision of reinsurance structures, placement approaches and the various classes of business covered under the programme.

She will report to Mark Pepper, the group’s chief underwriting officer, and work alongside ceded reinsurance leaders in the UK, Bermuda and the US.

The remit also includes linking Leadline Capital Partners, Ascot’s third-party capital management platform, with the wider ceded reinsurance strategy.

Edwards joins from RenaissanceRe, where she worked for more than six years.

Most recently, she served as senior vice-president and global head of casualty reinsurance.

Her career spans 30 years, covering actuarial, underwriting and leadership positions.

Previous employers include Tokio Millennium Re, Allied World Re, Aspen Re and QBE Insurance.

Commenting on the appointment, Pepper said: “Ascot’s global organisation continues to grow, and managing our risk exposure through our Ceded Re trading relationships is critical to our long-term financial success.

“Ashleigh’s extensive experience, expertise and skills, alongside those of the talented professionals we have leading our regions, will support trusted partnerships with our reinsurers, enabling us to be a more perfect partner for our clients.”

Ascot operates globally across insurance, reinsurance and underwriting services, with a presence in multiple international markets.

Last April, Ascot Group appointed Marc Amen as the new CEO of its North American operations.

In his new role, Amen oversees all operational aspects of Ascot’s US and Bermuda insurance and reinsurance companies.

Amen also joined the Ascot Group executive committee and reports to group CEO and president Jonathan Zaffino.