Bermuda-based insurer Ironshore is to open a string of offices in Europe.

The firm is opening a European hub office in Cologne, Germany, which will be followed by agency branch offices in the Netherlands and Switzerland by the end of this year.

Mark Wheeler, CEO of Ironshore International, said: “The current wave of consolidation sweeping the insurance industry has brought about disruption and uncertainty for continental European buyers, many of whom are continuing to demand a localised approach to underwriting and assurance of reliable, long-term capacity.” And he added: “Ironshore’s European growth initiative builds upon our international strategy of delivering Ironshore specialty portfolio offerings with local jurisdiction expertise, decision making and leadership.”

Ronan Gerety, formerly one of the founding managing directors of Catlin Europe SE, has been appointed as director of Ironshore Agency Limited and will become the local head of Ironshore’s continental European business activities.

And Fiona Marry, CEO of Ironshore Europe Ltd, said that the company would continue to broaden its geographic reach by establishing offices across Europe as opportunities arise.

Ironshore Agency Ltd will underwrite coverage on behalf of Ironshore Europe Ltd and Ironshore’s Pembroke Lloyd’s of London syndicate after regulatory approvals are finalised.

Ironshore will be providing specialty insurance lines to initially include, general liability/professional lines, marine, construction and engineering, terrorism, fine art and specie, as well as selected property coverage.

Last week, Ironshore announced the opening of a new office in New Zealand.