New IUA CEO prioritises underwriting & claims expertise and emerging risks
Chris Jones, the new CEO of the International Underwriting Association (IUA), announces a dual focus on strengthening underwriting and claims expertise and reassessing emerging and systemic risks.
Announced in March 2025, Chris Jones officially assumed the role of CEO of the IUA on May 1st, succeeding Dave Matcham, who has retired.
Upon taking up the role, Jones said, “I am proud to take up the role of CEO of the IUA, an Association that continues to grow and expand its leadership position within the company insurance market.
“As the CEO, I will continue to focus on the IUA’s existing three strategic priorities of: market modernisation, legal and regulatory support, and underwriting and claims intelligence. Digitalisation, enhancing operational efficiency and the future regulatory environment remain crucial to our members and services.”
Jones emphasised the importance of underwriting and claims expertise: “We will bring that front and central to our operations, by furthering our engagement with members on identifying and promoting technical excellence on key underwriting and claims issues, by developing our research function and by looking at risk more holistically.”
Regarding insurance topics, Jones stated that one of his initial priorities would be reassessing how the IUA approaches emerging and systemic risks.
He said, “Rather than taking a siloed, class-specific view, we will explore a more integrated approach – one that helps our members understand, manage, and respond to the changing nature of risk, particularly where protection gaps are emerging for insurance buyers.”
Jones also highlighted the need for greater collaboration and inclusivity in managing technical issues, including bringing more voices into the process—especially from the next generation of market professionals.
He continued, “I intend that we should expand our member engagement beyond traditional committee structures. With more than 1,000 committee participants, the base is strong – but we must find new ways to interact with and add value for our wider membership.”
“Finally, I would like to shift our internal focus from recording meetings to driving meaningful outcomes. The IUA should be known not just for convening discussion, but for delivering impact,” said Jones.
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