Ascot Group Appointed New Global President
The firm has promoted Mark Pepper to president of global underwriting amid a broader operational restructuring.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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Ascot Group has announced the appointment of Mark Pepper as president of global underwriting. The move coincides with a major reorganization of the company into two new divisions: specialty and consumer.
Why it matters
The leadership changes and divisional restructuring aim to streamline Ascot Group's operations across its global footprint, which includes the US, UK, and Bermuda. This strategic shift follows the company's recent consolidation of seven US business segments into five product verticals.
Ascot Group has streamlined its business by consolidating seven US segments into five product verticals. This shift supports the company's move toward two distinct operating divisions.
The players
Mark Pepper
He is the current chief underwriting officer at Ascot Group who will become the new president of global underwriting.
Elizabeth Johnson
She is an Ascot Group executive who will assume the role of president of specialty insurance and reinsurance.
Christopher Flatt
He is the former global CEO at AIG who will lead the newly formed consumer solutions division at Ascot Group.
The details
Mark Pepper, who currently serves as the group chief underwriting officer, will step into the newly created president of global underwriting role. Additionally, Elizabeth Johnson will lead the specialty insurance and reinsurance division, while former AIG global CEO Christopher Flatt will head the consumer solutions unit.
Timeline
Mark Pepper joined Ascot in 2001.
Mark Pepper became group CUO in 2009.
Elizabeth Johnson joined the firm in 2020.
Mark Pepper and Elizabeth Johnson begin their new roles on October 1, 2026.
Christopher Flatt joins the company in early November 2026.
Market Landscape
This reorganization follows a broader industry trend toward operational consolidation seen in 2024. By streamlining its segments, Ascot Group is positioning itself to compete more effectively within its specialty and consumer divisions.
Clients may experience shifts in account management as the company transitions to its new specialty and consumer divisions. These changes are designed to unify product delivery for international policyholders.
The takeaway
Ascot Group is focusing on structural efficiency by grouping its services into targeted divisions rather than fragmented segments. This strategy reflects a growing trend of major insurers refining their portfolios to improve global service delivery.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, visit the People section.
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