We have today announced the appointment of James Esdaile and Sian Aspinall as Joint Managing Directors of Berry Palmer & Lyle Limited. They succeed Robin Harper, who continues as a director of the BPL group after 20 years as Managing Director.

James joined BPL Global in 1997 as a graduate trainee, while Sian returned to the company in 2014 after working as a senior political risk underwriter for AIG and Zurich.

Tim Cullis also joins as Chief Financial Officer. Tim was previously CFO and CRO of Amlin Investment Management Limited.

BPL Global Chairman, Charles Berry, says: “We are indebted to Robin Harper for his role in BPL Global’s development since its early years, and for securing these latest steps in our succession plans. This signals continuity for our clients, employees and the market.”

James’ and Sian’s role will combine responsibility for service standards with business development and client relations.

Esdaile comments: “We remain committed to being an independent, employee-owned broker and, while steering the company’s future course is clearly a huge responsibility for Sian and me, we look forward to the challenge with great enthusiasm.”

Aspinall adds: “BPL Global’s approach has always been to place our clients’ needs at the heart of everything we do. We are determined to continue that approach, in the face of a changing business environment for specialty insurance classes like ours.”