As the Brit-backed ILS vehicle looks to capitalise on its growth potential, Cornell will focus on leading its fundraising, investor relations activity, and helping to develop the platform and deliver on its overarching strategy.

Leading business development in the Asia region, Masa Kitade will play a pivotal role in developing the Sussex Capital platform in Japan and Asia more broadly, driving investor relations and managing and implementing the vehicle’s strategy across the continent.

Cornell joins from Bermuda-based Peak Capital (formerly Lutece Investment Management), where he was Head of Investor Relations. An ILS specialist, he has also held roles with Validus Holdings and AlphaCat Managers Ltd. Prior to his move into the ILS sector, Cornell worked with property catastrophe reinsurance at Hiscox.

Masa joins Sussex with over 25 years of experience spanning the reinsurance and finance sector. He brings specialist ILS knowledge and expertise, having previously held roles as Chief Marketing Officer at Mercury Capital Ltd and CEO of Eastpoint Asset Management Ltd. He brings deep expertise in the Asian insurance market, having served as Regional Director and Head of Japan Business for Aon Asia.

Both Masa and Cornell will report into Chris Denton, Sussex Capital’s Managing Director.

Sussex Capital is Brit’s ILS investment platform launched by Brit in 2017 and backed by the Fairfax Group. The platform provides investors with access to Brit’s full suite of risk and expertise, offering clients enhanced coverage capacity while delivering attractive and long-term returns for investors.

Chris Denton, Managing Director, Sussex Capital said: “Sussex Capital has an ambitious expansion strategy and significant potential within the ILS market. We are delighted to welcome Masa and Cornell to the team as we continue to grow the portfolio and drive the business forward.”

Cornell Fox, Head of Investor Relations and Business Development, Sussex Capital said: “In just under five years, Sussex Capital has established itself as a well-respected ILS platform in the market. With significant demand from investors across the globe for diversifying asset classes, I look forward to working closely with the team to capitalise on this potential, bringing the platform to an even greater number of investors.”

Masa Kitade, Head of Business Development Asia said: “Offering investors access to Brit’s industry leading expertise, solutions and client base, I’m looking forward to broadening Sussex Capital’s presence across the Asian market, enabling the region’s ILS investors access to one of the most innovative and highly regarded platforms within the market.”