ACE has appointed Jeff Hobson as branch manager of its Leeds office, in a move to further strengthen its regional management team within its UK and Ireland region.

The commercial line insurer said that Jeff’s appointment takes place with immediate effect and he will have overall accountability for the performance of the branch and report to Ian Fox, northern regional manager.

Previously, Hobson was spearheading management and development of property, casualty, technical and environmental business for its Northern England region.

Jeff has more than 20 years of underwriting expertise, working for both insurers and brokers including Chartis, Aon, JLT and, most recently, Willis as regional managing director for Leeds.

ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance.