Kennedys has appointed partner Tobin Ashby to its growing corporate insurance, financial regulation and products practice as part of a strategic drive to expand its non-contentious services to the insurance sector. Tobin, who joins from Pinsent Masons and will be based in London, has over 18 years’ experience in the financial services industry, including a decade working in-house for a global insurance group.
He advises insurers, intermediaries, brokers, mutuals, investment platform providers, FinTechs, banks, employee benefit consultants, fund managers and SIPP providers on their products and services, regulatory issues, all types of distribution and commercial arrangements and strategic transformation projects.
Ben Aram, Head of Kennedys’ Corporate and Commercial division, says: “This is another significant strategic move for Kennedys as we look to strengthen our global non-contentious corporate and commercial insurance offering delivered through specialist hubs in London, Hong Kong, Bermuda, Chicago and Miami (LATAM).”
“We are expecting the impact of the pandemic to result in increased demand for advice relating to insurance products and distribution arrangements and look forward to partnering with our clients in navigating this difficult and evolving landscape.”
Nick Thomas, senior partner at Kennedys, says: “This latest hire is part of our continued strategy of making hires in areas that will benefit our clients. Tobin has a clear understanding of our clients’ business requirements from his time as a senior in-house lawyer and his considerable experience will further enhance our non-contentious practice.”
Tobin Ashby says: “This is an exciting opportunity for me to join a firm with a strong reputation in insurance, as well as a global reach. The depth of expertise available at Kennedys will be attractive to my clients and I am looking forward to working with the team to help grow the firm’s corporate and commercial insurance practice.”
Tobin’s appointment follows the recent appointment of Amanda Hanmore, partner and UK Head of Real Estate and Construction, who joined our Corporate & Commercial division from Trowers & Hamlins. It is the latest development in Kennedys’ growth agenda which this year has seen the firm report a record turnover of £238m, the opening of its first US West Coast office, in San Francisco, a new association with Canada’s leading national insurance specialty law firm Dolden Wallace Folick LLP, and the opening of a new office in Israel.
