Insurance group Chaucer has announced the appointment of Paul Jardine as non-executive chairman, subject to regulatory approval.

Jardine has held a number of executive roles at AXA XL, after serving as director and chief actuary at Equitas. Prior to that he was a partner at Coopers and Lybrand.

John Fowle, chief executive officer of Chaucer said the board is “delighted” to have Jardine as its new chairman.

He said: “He has a wealth of insurance experience gained over a three-decade career in the industry, which will be a great addition to the collective expertise of the current team. I am sure that Paul’s expertise and insight will be invaluable as we continue our development as a leading specialty international (re)insurance group.”

Jardine succeeds Chris Stooke, who will retire from the board later this year. Stooke leaves after almost a decade with Chaucer; first as a non-executive director and then as chairman of the business. 

Throughout this time, his calm leadership and diplomacy have been integral to the successful development of Chaucer, including as a member of The Hanover Insurance Group and then China Re Group.

President of China Re Group, Dr. He Chunlei said: “On behalf of China Re Group, I would like to thank Chris for his leadership of Chaucer for over nine years and for his great contribution to the effective relationship with Chaucer’s parents company. I wish him well for the future. 

“I am also delighted that Paul is joining Chaucer as chairman. His significant insurance industry experience will be of great value as we continue to develop the business.”