Canopius Group, the global insurer and reinsurer with operations in Bermuda, has appointed Mark Houghton to the newly-created role of global product leader, Specialty.

He takes up the position in October in Singapore and will oversee the governance, performance and standards of Canopius’ specialty underwriting lines across the business.

Mr Houghton will also be responsible for product development and innovation as well as establishing Canopius’ risk appetite for specialty lines across the globe.

He will be based in Singapore and report directly to group chief underwriting officer Sam Harrison.

Mr Houghton joins Canopius from Axa XL, where he led the Political Risk team for over a decade before being appointed head of Specialty in Asia.