Arch International launches intangible assets arm

Arch Insurance International has unveiled its new intangible assets division, with operations starting forthwith. This development follows the acquisition of select components of Aon’s intellectual property (IP) liability MGA business.

The newly formed unit is under the leadership of Ian Lewis (pictured above), appointed as the head of intangible assets. The team, consisting of five specialists transitioning from Aon, will provide a suite of insurance products targeting the rapidly shifting landscape of intangible assets.

Businesses of various scales will have access to coverage for intellectual property infringement, contractual liabilities, invalidation risks, and business interruption losses. Lewis will operate under the direction of Duncan Smith, head of professional lines at Arch.

With a career spanning over three decades, Lewis is acknowledged for his expertise, especially in the intellectual property and intangible risk sectors. Before his new role, he was the global head of intellectual property underwriting solutions at Aon and has previously held positions at Tokio Marine Kiln, Samian Underwriting Agency, and Miller Insurance Services.

The London-based underwriting group also includes Justyn Hardcastle as senior underwriter, Carys Bickmore and Ben Kemsley as underwriters, and Chris Sclimenti, who is based in the US, as a senior underwriter. Sclimenti will liaise closely with the London team and will lead the development of Arch’s life sciences practice.

“The launch of our intangible assets team is a natural progression for Arch as we continue to expand our professional lines offerings,” said Hugh Sturgess, CEO of Arch Insurance International. “We see significant opportunities for growth in this class and are well positioned to offer our brokers and mutual clients comprehensive solutions to respond to the evolving risks to their intangible assets. By bringing on board an established and respected team led by Ian, we seek to establish Arch as a lead market in the intangible assets space.”

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