London, 25 June 2025 – Africa Specialty Risks (“ASR”), the developing markets-focused (re)insurance group, announces the appointment of Eric Malterre to the newly created role of Chief Underwriting Officer.
Eric will be responsible for developing underwriting strategies, driving profitability, and ensuring underwriting standards are aligned with the company’s risk appetite and objectives.
He will work closely with Martin Boreman, Director of Underwriting, Head of Liability & Active Underwriter and Brian McGregor, Director of Underwriting and Head of Property, to ensure seamless underwriting oversight, structure, and consistency, while formulating appropriate portfolio construction.
With 25 years of international insurance experience across Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa, Eric brings valuable expertise as ASR expands into new developing markets.
He has held senior leadership roles at Marsh, Coface, AXA and Sedgwick, where he was most recently Chief Client Officer for its international division. From 2016 to 2019, Eric served as Chief Underwriting Officer at AXA Africa Specialty Risks, which was founded and led by current ASR CEO, Mikir Shah.
Eric holds an MBA from The University of Chicago, a business degree from HEC Business School and graduated from the French Military Academy of Saint-Cyr.
Based in London, Eric will report to Mikir Shah.
Mikir Shah, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Since our launch in 2020, we’ve doubled our GWP each year. Having worked with Eric previously, I know he has excellent underwriting expertise and will provide the necessary guidance as we continue on our growth trajectory while retaining our strong underwriting discipline.”
Eric Malterre added: “I’m thrilled to be working with Mikir again and to join ASR at an important stage in its evolution. The company has grown significantly since inception, and I look forward to driving innovation, and supporting the company’s expansion into new markets as it continues to be the reinsurer of choice for emerging economies.”
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Media Enquiries
Tavistock Communications Ltd
Katie Hopkins, Kuba Stawiski
asr@tavistock.co.uk
About ASR
Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) is enabling sustainable economic development by fulfilling unmet insurance needs. Our platform provides local underwriting expertise, an unparalleled distribution network and access to global capacity.
Founded in the heart of Africa and with offices across the continent and the Middle East, we provide regional market knowledge, data insights, and technical proficiency for capital partners who are looking to increase their presence in growth markets.
We also participate on each and every risk we underwrite with balance sheets in Bermuda, Mauritius and through Syndicate 2454 at Lloyd’s. ASR is committed to accelerating business growth by providing customised service and innovative insurance products to enable development.