The Ascot Group has named Joseph Eppers as group chief investment officer (CIO) and added him to its global executive committee.
Eppers will be responsible for spearheading the insurer’s worldwide investment approach and managing the investment portfolio.
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He will work with senior executives on matters tied to long-term growth and the strength of the balance sheet, reporting to chief financial officer Mark Wilcox.
Wilcox said: “Joe brings deep investment expertise, proven leadership and a well-established industry network. We are pleased to welcome him to Ascot as we continue to advance our investment platform in support of our underwriting franchise.”
Eppers joins the company from Selective Insurance, where he held the posts of executive vice-president and CIO.
Earlier in his career, Eppers was a director at BlackRock in its financial institutions group, tasked with offering tailored investment strategies for insurers and other institutional investors.
He was also senior vice-president of investments at Endurance Specialty Holdings.
Eppers commented: “Ascot has built a world-class global specialty platform with meaningful momentum. I look forward to partnering with the team to execute a disciplined investment strategy that supports Ascot’s clients, colleagues and long-term profitability goals.”
Ascot operates in specialty insurance and reinsurance, providing property and casualty cover to clients. The group had total assets of $16bn as of 31 March 2026.
Ascot Group CEO and president Jonathan Zaffino said: “Joe is a thoughtful leader with a strong record of navigating complex markets. His perspective as a member of our Global Executive Committee will strengthen our leadership team and support the continued evolution of our global business.”
Earlier this year, the Ascot Group announced a senior management change alongside plans to widen its treaty reinsurance operations in the US.
This includes the relocation of Justin Keith, CEO of Ascot Bermuda, to the US later this year to oversee the development of the group’s treaty reinsurance business in the US market.
