CFC, a specialist insurance provider known for its focus on emerging risks and cyber insurance, has announced the appointment of Nick Line as its next chief underwriting officer. Line is set to join CFC in 2026, following his 28-year tenure at Markel, where he has served as CUO since 2018.
Appointment Details
Line will oversee underwriting strategy and performance across the group. His extensive experience in both actuarial and underwriting functions since entering the insurance industry in 1997 makes him well-suited for the role. At Markel, Line played a crucial role in developing new product offerings, expanding into international markets, and integrating acquisitions. He has also been instrumental in broadening the scope and scale of Markel’s underwriting portfolio and strengthening its underwriting discipline and operational infrastructure.
Industry Involvement
Line’s industry involvement extends beyond his corporate responsibilities. He currently chairs the Inclusion @ Lloyd’s committee, which aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the Lloyd’s market. He is also a member of the Lloyd’s Market Association’s CUO Committee, a forum for underwriting leaders to discuss market-wide issues and developments.
Transition and Collaboration
The appointment is part of a broader leadership reshuffle at CFC, aimed at supporting its continued international expansion and positioning it for long-term growth across its core business lines. Notably, CFC and Markel have had a working relationship since 2019, with Markel acting as a capacity provider across various parts of CFC’s managing general agent (MGA) portfolio. This collaboration has seen both businesses engage on product innovation and capacity deployment in specialist lines.
Reaction from CFC and Line
CFC Group CEO Louise O’Shea praised Line’s experience in technical underwriting and international operations, stating that it would support the business’s strategic direction. She also highlighted the similarity in service delivery and team culture between CFC and Markel, which would facilitate Line’s transition. Line expressed that his decision to leave Markel after nearly three decades was driven by his interest in taking on new challenges. He noted that CFC’s focus on innovation and flexible operating model had long appealed to him, offering a platform to apply his experience in a new context.
