Lloyd's of London picks first female chief executive

LONDON: Lloyd's of London, the 325-year old insurance market, has announced the appointment of its first female chief executive -- industry veteran Inga Beale.
Lloyd's said British national Beale would succeed Richard Ward who is stepping down after eight years at the helm. Beale, 50, takes over in January.
Ward had announced in July that he would leave the top post.
"I am absolutely delighted that we have appointed Inga as chief executive," Lloyd's chairman John Nelson said in a statement.
"She has 30 years' experience in the insurance industry. Her CEO experience, underwriting background, international experience and operational skills, together with her knowledge of the Lloyd's market, make Inga the ideal chief executive for Lloyd's."
Beale joins Lloyd's from reinsurer Canopius, where she is chief executive.
She said of her appointment: "Lloyd's is already an international leader, but this unique market has an extraordinary opportunity to increase its footprint and to cement its position as the global hub for specialist insurance and reinsurance."