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 the conclusion of his 28-year tenure at Markel, where he has served as chief underwriting officer since 2018.
Line brings extensive experience in both actuarial and underwriting functions to his new role, having worked in the insurance industry since 1997. During his time at Markel, he played a significant role in developing new product offerings, expanding into international markets, and integrating acquisitions. Under his leadership, Markel broadened the scope and scale of its underwriting portfolio and invested in strengthening its underwriting discipline and operational infrastructure.
Key Highlights of Nick Line’s Background
- 28 years of experience at Markel
- Chief Underwriting Officer since 2018
- Extensive background in actuarial and underwriting functions
- Industry involvement includes chairing the Inclusion @ Lloyd’s committee and membership in the Lloyd’s Market Association’s CUO Committee
CFC’s announcement highlighted Line’s industry involvement outside his corporate responsibilities, including his current role as chair of 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.
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. CFC Group CEO Louise O’Shea noted that Line’s experience in technical underwriting and international operations would be instrumental in supporting the business’s strategic direction. She emphasized that CFC and Markel share a similar approach to service delivery and team culture, which would facilitate Line’s transition into the role.
Line stated that his decision to leave Markel after nearly three decades was driven by his interest in taking on new challenges. He expressed his long-standing admiration for CFC’s focus on innovation and its flexible operating model, seeing this new opportunity as a platform to apply his experience in a fresh context.
The two companies 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, including transaction liability and terrorism insurance. This ongoing collaboration has seen both businesses engage on product innovation and capacity deployment in specialist lines.
