Beazley plc has announced the appointment of Clive Bannister as chair designate and a non-executive director with immediate effect. It is intended that he will take up the role of chair—currently filled on an interim basis by Christine LaSala since the departure of David Roberts—on 25 April 2023.

Bannister, current chair of Rathbones Group and the Museum of London, was previously CEO of Phoenix Group, retiring in March 2020. He had held a number of senior roles during a long career at HSBC.

Bannister was also previously a non-executive director of the Association of British Insurers, Punter Southall Group, Ignis Asset Management, and HSBC Insurance Brokers.

Christine LaSala commented: “I have been impressed throughout the search process by the positive and consistent interactions with Clive, his credentials, career track-record, and his enthusiasm to take on the role. On behalf of the entire board, I would like to congratulate him on his appointment.”

Beazley plc, headquartered at 22 Bishopsgate, London (pictured), is the parent company of specialist insurance businesses with operations in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia. It manages seven Lloyd’s syndicates.