This edition of International People Moves details appointments at insurtech BOXX Insurance and HDI Global.
A summary of these new hires follows here.
Zurich’s BOXX Insurance Names Key Appointments in Distribution, Underwriting, Claims
BOXX Insurance, the Toronto-based cyber insurtech, announced four key appointments in Distribution, Underwriting and Claims to drive the next phase of its growth in the Canadian market.
Katie Pollock has been appointed head of Broker Distribution. Bringing over a decade of experience in business development and underwriting from industry leaders like Coalition, Berkley and Travelers, Pollock will be responsible for overseeing broker relations. She will leverage her deep understanding of the market to meet the rapidly increasing demand for BOXX’s all-in-one cyber insurance and protection products for Canadian businesses and homeowners.
Michael Lai has been named business development manager in the Broker Distribution team. With eight years of specialized experience in cyber underwriting and claims from Northbridge Insurance and AIG, Lai will focus on forging new broker partnerships and strengthening BOXX’s existing relationships in the market.
Julie Poulin joins BOXX as senior production underwriter. Based in Montreal, Poulin brings over 10 years of underwriting and claims expertise from AIG, Chubb and Berkley Canada. She will serve brokers nationwide while spearheading BOXX’s strategic expansion into the Quebec region.
Melanie Bean has been named claims manager within the Global Claims and Hackbusters team. With almost two decades of cyber, commercial and property claims experience from Crawford and CyberScout, Bean will manage and enhance BOXX’s proactive claims approach for its Canadian SME clients.
“Katie and Michael’s diversified experience in client service and distribution will accelerate our growth trajectory. Furthermore, Julie’s regional focus and Melanie’s proactive claims management reinforce our commitment to offering best-in-class, all-in-one cyber insurance and protection solutions,” commented Jonathan Weekes, president, Canada.
In July 2025, Zurich Insurance Group acquired BOXX Insurance which now has been integrated into Zurich Global Ventures (ZGV).
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HDI Global Appoints Smart to Lead Global Risk Bloodstock & Equine Team
HDI Global (HDI) announced the appointment of Georgina Smart as head of Global Risk Bloodstock & Equine, effective October 15.
Smart joins HDI from equine specialist, Ashby Underwriting, where she previously held a senior underwriting role. Prior to that, she was head of Equine for Tokio Marine Kiln, and Equine Class Underwriter at Catlin Underwriting Agencies.
Based at HDI’s London office, Smart will lead the firm’s bloodstock and equine underwriting and distribution strategy across international markets and the US.
“Bloodstock and equine is a highly specialised line of business,” said Rafael Rebitzky, chief underwriting officer for HDI Global Specialty. “I am delighted to welcome Georgina to HDI to help drive our global underwriting and distribution strategy with the goal of delivering a strong proposition to our clients and business partners across our core markets and potential new ones.”
HDI’s UK and Ireland bloodstock team, which is part of the global Bloodstock & Equine hub, is led by Cathy Olive, underwriting manager – Equine & Bloodstock Lead UK.
Topics Claims Underwriting Agribusiness
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