Michael Watson joins ASIG board after building Canopius

Shevawn Barder, ASIG's group chief executive, said in a statement: "Michael's appointment to our Board represents a significant addition to the Group. His experience in building and scaling a global specialty insurance business, combined with his deep Lloyd's market experience and strategic perspective, will be highly valuable as we continue to develop AM Specialty's platform and growth."

ASIG is an Excess and Surplus lines carrier that provides niche commercial re/insurance solutions globally. The company competes in the E&S market, which has grown to exceed $100 billion in premiums as standard carriers retrench from areas such as property and cyber. The E&S segment has posted double-digit premium growth for each of the past three years, industry figures show. ASIG focuses on risks that standard carriers avoid, including complex property and liability exposures.

Watson's appointment brings a seasoned executive with a proven record of scaling a Lloyd's business. The company expects his board role to support its growth strategy in specialty lines. The appointment is effective immediately.