There is a new head of credit and political risk (CPR) at Canopius, in the form of Stephen Pike (pictured).
Pike, who joined the firm back in 2017 as an underwriter, actually began his career at Merrill Lynch, focusing on M&A and leveraged finance. He later moved to ED&F Man Capital Markets before making the switch to Canopius. Now, he will report to Bernie de Haldevang who oversees the overall head of credit, political and crisis (CPC) at the firm.
“I am very pleased to announce Stephen’s appointment as we look ahead to the unparalleled prospects emerging in the post-COVID era,” said de Haldevang. “Becoming one of the younger team leaders in the market to lead a team of this size, Stephen has made a remarkably fast and effective transition from banker to insurer and is able to leverage his experience in banking and capital markets to the mutual advantage of our clients and ourselves. This underlines our preferred approach of supporting and developing subject matter experts, and working with them to shape the client proposition, as they naturally better understand the clients we aim to serve.”
He will now lead the CPR team and help develop it across Europe and internationally.
“Financial instability throughout the corporate environment due to the COVID-19 induced recession will increase demand from our clients,” said Pike. “As we saw following the last financial crisis, this increased appetite will provide opportunities to those underwriters who are able to offer clear solutions in an uncertain market, and I believe the team at Canopius is well placed to do this.”
