The Lapham Group Fills Senior Post for Somerset Reinsurance
February 20, 2024 – The Lapham Group has assisted in the recruitment of Manisha Dias as head of new business development at Somerset Reinsurance Ltd., a Bermuda-based provider of reinsurance solutions to the U.S. life insurance and annuity market. “I am delighted that Manisha, such an experienced and successful client relationship manager, has chosen to join the Somerset Re team,” said Jeff Burt, chairman and CEO of Somerset. “Manisha brings a deep track record of relationship building that is certain to expand our rapidly growing success in the U.S. and lead our expansion efforts around the globe.”
Ms. Dias joins Somerset from SCOR Global Life Reinsurance in Charlotte, NC, where she was head of partnerships. She co-founded the Partnerships business, which encompassed the development of proprietary and digitally enabled life product offerings and led various teams through the growth of the business in the U.S. market. Ms. Dias was previously at SCOR in Toronto, responsible for new business development and cultivating an innovation footprint for the Canadian market. Prior to that, she held a number of traditional and non-traditional actuarial roles globally across Canada, the U.S. and Asia at John Hancock and Manulife.
In her new position with Somerset, Ms. Dias will be responsible for leading all commercial activity for the business globally and overseeing policy for underwriting and pricing. “I am beyond thrilled to join the world-class team at Somerset,” she said. “They have laid a strong foundation with their multi-faceted platform and reinsurance expertise to be able to solve clients’ challenges in unique and meaningful ways. I look forward to building on the recent growth and success of the organization and serving insurance partners worldwide.”
Related: The Lapham Group Recruits Chief Revenue Officer for One Concern
Somerset is a provider of reinsurance solutions for life insurance and annuity business, helping its clients manage capital efficiency and improve their financial results. The company’s solutions include programs for new business flow, management of legacy blocks of life insurance and annuities, and capital-motivated reinsurance solutions globally.
Trusted Recruiters
The Lapham Group is a boutique executive search firm headquartered in New York City. For over two decades the firm has conducted senior-level search engagements in insurance and diversified financial services, including private equity, venture capital, and asset management. Searches include board directorships, president/CEO/general management, risk management, finance and investment, marketing/sales, and information technology engagements conducted across North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Far East.
The Lapham Group Completes Search for Ascot
The Lapham Group has recruited Mark Totolos to the newly created role of senior vice president, captive solutions, Ascot U.S. He will be a part of the portfolio solutions group, reporting into Tony Lyons, head of portfolio solutions, and be responsible for setting and communicating the vision, value proposition, and long-term business strategy for the organization’s new captive solutions portfolio. “With Mark’s deep experience and extensive knowledge in the captive marketplace, I am confident that we will be well-positioned to capitalize on strategic captive opportunities, expanding our portfolio to best serve our clients both now and in the future,” said Matt Kramer, CEO of Ascot U.S.
In addition, The Lapham Group has developed strong working relationships with its clients in the implementation of strategic initiatives and new business ventures to include numerous search assignments for start-ups and turnaround opportunities.
Craig Lapham has served as CEO since 1997. Under his leadership, the firm has conducted senior executive search engagements for multiple Fortune 100 insurance clients and smaller emerging insurance/financial services firms across both P&C and life insurance. He previously served, from 1992 to 1997, as an attorney with global insurer American International Group within the corporation’s U.S. property and casualty business.
Related: The Lapham Group Places SVP of HR for New Jersey Resources
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
