Gerard is an International Insurance Executive who has operated for the past 20 years at Board and Executive Management level with underwriting P&L responsibility and has more than 25 years of experience with international blue-chip insurance companies (i.e. UAP International, Axa Corporate Solutions, Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe) and private equity owned insurance companies (i.e. ANV Group), in both underwriting management and broader corporate development roles.
Gerard is acknowledged for an exceptional track record of profitable premium growth and the creation and delivery of underwriting transformation and turnaround plans, as well as building new businesses and launching new products across multiple channels of distribution, with experience of raising PE capital for business acquisitions.
Gerard hold a Business Economics degree from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and a Mathematics degree from the St Amandus Institute of Ghent, Belgium.
Gerard is fluent in Dutch, French and English.
Chief Executive Officer
Gerard van LoonDavid is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and has extensive insurance experience.
Prior to joining Alta Signa, David was Chief Executive Officer of SureStone Insurance Dac, having previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer.
David joined SureStone from FBD Insurance Plc, a listed Irish Insurer, where he worked for 12 years and held various senior finance roles, most recently as Group Head of Finance.
Prior to joining FBD, David was an audit manager with Deloitte in Dublin.
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Operations Officer
Adam spent 30 years in private practise as a barrister, solicitor and US attorney.
He practised law in London and New York for a global law firm and spent 10 years on the firm’s management committee. He then moved in-house, where he acted as General Counsel, Deputy Chairman and/or Claims Director for various insurance start-up businesses.
He has been Chair of the European Chapter of PLUS and International Vice President of the International Association of Defense Counsel.
Adam specialises in Lloyd’s, Company and MGA corporate governance and on helping to resolve complex commercial disputes.
General Counsel
Claims Director
Marie's pragmatic approach to problem-solving and clear communication skills are complemented by her fluency in French, English, Italian, and German, making her exceptionally well-suited for a pan-European, multi-class, multi-territory claims management role.
Marie’s career began at Mediterranea Underwriting Srl (MUW) in Genoa, where she managed a diverse portfolio of claims, including hull, cargo, yachts, yards, and aviation. Her ability to interact with stakeholders across different regions and languages enhanced her social and diplomatic skills.
In July 2023, she transitioned to Generali Global Corporate & Commercial, facilitating the integration of MUW’s claims. She joined Alta Signa in December 2023, overseeing claims in marine, cyber, financial, and professional sectors.
Marie holds two master's degrees in International Law, specialising in the law of the sea and maritime law. An avid traveler, her global experiences and fresh-thinking outlook further enrich her professional expertise.
Marie’s multilingual abilities, focused legal knowledge and insurance expertise make her an asset in the complex landscape of European claims management, and highly capable of delivering the excellent levels of service that Alta Signa’s clients and partners expect.
Alex is an experienced insurance software and operations manager.
Prior to joining Alta Signa Alex held for 6 years the role of Head of Operations in ANV, responsible of rolling out digital transformation projects that consist in adding new digital and MI capabilities to the architecture map in order to streamline business processes to underwriters and claims handlers.
Prior to that he was 16 years with Accenture in various roles amongst other Software Product Manager, and in various other project manager functions deploying insurance platforms into this industry.
Alex holds a Master in Finance from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, a Postgraduate in Digital Transformation from UPF Barcelona School of Management. He is fluent in Spanish, English and Catalan.
IT & Operations Manager
Alex CuadrosAfter a brief period at Generali Assicurazioni, she joined Alta Signa. Simona is fluent in both Italian and English, blending a friendly and communicative approach with sharp attention to detail. She consistently delivers precise and timely services while building strong relationships with all stakeholders.
Simona is dedicated to continuous improvement, adopting new procedures and leveraging the latest technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy. She provides a tailored approach, meticulously following the expectations and requests of her clients and brokers. Her commitment to high standards ensures smooth and efficient operations, making her an invaluable asset to any team. Simona's ability to adapt and innovate in the evolving field of technical accounting sets her apart as a leader in her industry.
Marine Technical Accounting and Operations Manager
Simona BallestreroPrior to joining Alta Signa, Leanne spent 15 years working in Legal and Insurance industries.
Leanne started her career at Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold LLP in London as a Legal Secretary and has also worked at Carter Perry Bailey LLP.
In 2011 she joined ANV as an Executive Assistant to support Senior Management.
Leanne currently provides administrative support to Alta Signa, with particular focus on Human Resources and Claims.
Administrator
Leanne RichardsIngo started his career at Houston Casualty Company Global in Barcelona as a Financial Lines Underwriter at the German, Austrian & Swiss and Eastern European Desk. His main responsibilities were the development of the Swiss and Eastern European markets for both commercial and financial institutions accounts.
His insurance product expertise included all Financial Lines and Cyber for Financial Institutions. Ingo was also part of a specialist team responsible for cross-selling Transaction Risk Insurance, Contingency and K&R in the Northern and Eastern European markets.
Upon joining Alta Signa, Ingo led the development of a Europe-wide distribution network. Following that, he became branch manager for Spain and ultimately Head of Underwriting for FinPro and Cyber.
Ingo graduated from HEC Lausanne, Switzerland, in Economics (MSc) and further holds an LL.M. in Insurance law from University of Hamburg. He is fluent in French, Spanish, (Swiss-)German and English.
European Head of Underwriting - FinPro & Cyber
Branch Manager - Spain
Francesco is an experienced insurance professional leading Alta Signa's Italian branch. His career to date has seen a strong focus on Marine underwriting and Francesco has deep insights into the trends and developments in this fast-moving sector.
Francesco's career spans over two decades in leading roles in several leading Italian insurance companies. After fifteen years in UMS, Generali and SIAT in marine and aviation claims management positions, Francesco co-founded a new Marine MGA as part of Cattolica Group's Specialty Lines project. The MGA was set up in Genoa in 2018 and Francesco served from the offset as its CEO.
In just five years Francesco's MGA became a recognised and profitable player in the market with a team of 16 people. Following the acquisition of Cattolica by Generali, he opted for a fresh start and joined Alta Signa in 2023.
Over the years, Francesco has acquired solid claims handling, underwriting and management skills. He has comprehensive knowledge of the entire insurance industry, in all its technical and formal aspects. In addition, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead cross-functional teams through periods of growth and change, to implement operational efficiencies, reduce operating costs and improve stakeholder satisfaction in the unit he leads.
Francesco holds a degree in Marine Economics from Genoa University, writing his master's dissertation in Marine insurance law. He is fluent in Italian and English.
European Head of Underwriting - Marine
Branch Manager - Italy
Mark started his career as a management trainee at Aon in the company's Casualty Insurance department. In 1992 he moved to Marsh, the broker, where he worked for 20 years in various broking and management roles in the Casualty and Financial Lines arena.
As a manager at Marsh, Mark led a number of departmental practices including Casualty, Risk Management, FINPRO, Private Equity and Mergers & Acquisitions, and Financial Institutions.
In 2013 Mark joined Torus to manage and develop their Financial Lines and Professional Liability book of business. Soon after, he joined Navigators to set up a company office in Rotterdam and was responsible for the development and management of the Benelux Financial Lines, Professional liability and Casualty business lines.
Mark holds a University of Applied Sciences/Business School (HEAO/HES) degree and completed the in-house Marsh Accelerated Leadership Program.
He is fluent in Dutch, English and fully conversational in German.
Branch Manager - Benelux
Having worked in several management roles at AIG in Germany, Max has managed multinational & cross-border teams across Continental Europe and the UK and gained strong Financial Lines underwriting know-how with a product focus on Directors & Officers and Financial Institutions.
He has a proven track record in the growth, complex restructuring and turnaround of insurance portfolios and teams. Max' experience in working alongside large clients, combined with his in-depth knowledge of the German-speaking and Northern European insurance markets, makes him expertly placed to lead Alta Signa operations in these territories.
Max holds a Business & Economics degree from the University of Passau. He is fluent in English and German.
Branch Manager - DACH
Maximilian MollCédric brings more than two decades of experience in financial lines and specialty insurance, coupled with a strong track record in relationship management with global brokers and large clients. He joins from WTW, Paris, where he was Client Executive for Large Accounts. Before that, he was Global Brokers Relationship Manager at AIG. Previously he held roles in companies as diverse as Marsh, The Hartford and Starr.
Cédric is an alumnus of Paris Sorbonne university and is fluent in French and English.
Branch Manager - France
Marc has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, specialised in all Financial Lines products including Cyber.
In 2003, he started his insurance career at AIG in Paris as a Financial Lines underwriter for Commercial companies. After having worked on both Major Accounts and Middle Market businesses, Marc joined the Axa Group as Team Manager and D&O Chief Underwriting Officer. There, he was also in charge of the technical training for nationwide teams. In 2012, he spent 6 years at Marsh as Commercial Lines Manager in the FINPRO Department.
Based in Brussels since 2018, Marc holds a Master’s Degree in Commercial Law and a Master’s Degree in Art History.
He is native in French and fluent in English.
Underwriting Manager D&O/FI - France
Thomas’ insurance experience began in 2000 at Munich Re in Munich where he held several positions as Claims Counsel, Casualty Treaty Underwriter and Financial Lines Facultative Underwriter.
Before joining Alta Signa he worked 5 years as Financial Lines Senior Underwriter with AIG Europe S.A., Germany.
With more than 25 years of international insurance experience Thomas holds a deep understanding of the unique needs of international markets.
Thomas is a qualified German lawyer (attorney at law).
He leads the day-to-day activities of the DACH team of Alta Signa in Munich. He is fluent in German and English.
Deputy Branch Manager - DACH
Thomas Lange
Underwriting Manager Hull & Yachts - Italy
European Head of Technical Underwriting - Hull & Yachts
Danilo Fiore is our expert Head of Technical Underwriting for Hull and Yards. A veteran of the marine insurance community, not only in Italy but across Europe, Danilo brings a wealth of experience and deep industry knowledge. He has served at UMS, Generali, and SwissRe before joining Alta Signa Europe BV.
Danilo is renowned for his strong relationships based on trust and his profound market knowledge. He has an impressive track record of building highly profitable portfolios. Fluent in Italian and English, he strikes the perfect balance between traditional and innovative underwriting practices. His commitment to teamwork and excellence makes him an invaluable asset to our team.
Danilo’s expertise and dedication ensure that we deliver top-notch underwriting services, maintaining our competitive edge in the market.
Underwriting Manager Hull & Yachts - Italy
European Head of Technical Underwriting - Hull & Yachts
Underwriting Manager Cargo - Italy
European Head of Technical Underwriting - Cargo
Barbara is our Head of Technical Underwriting Cargo since 2023, renowned across the Italian cargo insurance market for her expertise and reputation. She has extensive experience in leading companies and, in the six years prior to joining Alta Signa, excelled in Managing General Agents (MGAs). At MUW, she built a brilliant cargo portfolio from scratch. Now, at Alta Signa, Barbara leverages the international atmosphere to provide our clients with superior insurance services.
Barbara’s strategic approach and deep industry knowledge make her an invaluable asset to our team. She is dedicated to continuous improvement, always seeking ways to enhance the services we offer. Her commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive the best possible coverage and support. Barbara’s leadership and innovative strategies keep us at the forefront of the cargo insurance market.
Underwriting Manager Cargo - Italy
European Head of Technical Underwriting - Cargo
Nico joined Alta Signa in 2021 after leaving university in the Netherlands.
Starting in D&O for the Benelux and Italy branches, his role gradually changed to a Cyber-only underwriting position. In this role, he manages relationships and Alta Signa's cyber portfolio for the Benelux region, Scandinavia, Central Europe and Turkey. He also manages the company website, which he helped build in 2021.
Nico holds three degrees in Political Science and Political Theory from the University of Amsterdam and Leiden University. He is fluent in Italian, Dutch, English and Spanish.
Since 2024, Nico works from Alta Signa's Barcelona office.
Cyber Underwriter
Audrey underwrites Cyber insurance risks for France and the Francophone parts of the Benelux region. She also assists in the expansion of Alta Signa's French operations more generally.
Audrey joined Alta Signa in 2025 after a decade working in the insurance industry split between operations, claims and underwriting. The past five years she dedicated to underwriting for all business lines with a strong focus on PI/Cyber for Tech companies and startup with a fast growing pace.
During her time in the sector, Audrey worked for Insurers such as AIG and Chubb, with the Risk Manager from a global banking group, for the online broker Assurup, and for the German MGA Cogitanda.
Audrey holds a Master's degree in Digital Management and a Bachelor of Law Insurance degree from Assas Paris. She is fluent in French and English, as well as conversational in Spanish.
Audrey is based in Paris.
Cyber Underwriter
Arturo joined Alta Signa in 2021 after having spent 5 years working in finance. During his time in the sector, Arturo specialised in financial controlling.
Having spent time in, among others, Tokio Marine and Panasonic, Arturo's professional career is now firmly in underwriting. Whereas he began in D&O, his role progressively changed to that of Cyber-only underwriter. He does this for the Iberian region as well as the CSEE region.
Arturo holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Financial Analysis, both completed in Barcelona. He is fluent in Spanish, Catalan and English, as well as conversational in French.
Cyber Underwriter
Christophe joined Alta Signa in early 2023 after completing his Master’s degree in Barcelona.
With a background in Finance and previous internships in the banking industry, Christophe underwrites both commercial and financial companies with a strong analytical foundation. His areas of focus are the Eastern European and Scandinavian insurance markets.
Christophe holds a Master’s degree in Finance from ESADE Business School. He is fluent in English, French and Arabic. He further completed the first level of the CFA.
Financial Lines Underwriter
Ralfi joined Alta Signa in 2023 after having completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a specialisation in accounting and insurance from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität.
He is one of three core members of the DACH region's Cyber Team, working tirelessly to expand the company's cyber presence across the German-speaking parts of the continent. He is currently based in Munich.
Ralfi is fluent in English, German and Albanian, and conversational in Italian.
Cyber Underwriter
Vasileios joined Alta Signa as an underwriting analyst, growing on to become a full-fledged member of the DACH Cyber Team, with a special focus on Austria.
Prior to joining Alta Signa, Vasileios worked as intern or trainee at several financial sector companies such as Berenberg Bank and Invesco.
Vasileios holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and Economics from Goethe University in Frankfurt and an MBA in Banking, Finance, and Insurance at the University of Hamburg.
He is fluent in Albanian, German and English.
Cyber Underwriter
Vasileios StasaAfter having completed a specialised Finance programme at ESADE Business School, Fernando joined Alta Signa in a technical role focused on the analysis of financial and corporate risks, working closely with the rest of Alta Signa Spain branch members on the underwriting of D&O and other professional lines policies.
Fernando's focus is on business development and and portfolio management in Spain and Portugal, spending most of his time on underwriting and broker relations. He also plays an active role in process improvement initiatives and automation efforts.
Fernando is fluent in Spanish, English and Catalan.
D&O Underwriter
He is currently continuing his studies with a master’s degree in economics.
Based in Munich, he supports various activities in the DACH region and provides technical assistance in the Financial Lines area.
He is fluent in both English and German.
Assistant Underwriter
Melih ArslanLucas Zwick is Underwriting Analyst at Alta Signa’s DACH office in Munich.
Lucas studied Economics at LMU Munich. During his studies, he spent approximately two and a half years working as a student employee at Versicherungskammer Bayern, where he gained valuable practical experience in the insurance industry.
Since joining Alta Signa in 2026, Lucas has been able to combine his academic background in economics with his previous insurance experience. In his role as an Underwriting Analyst, he focuses on Financial Lines, particularly Directors’ and Officers’ liability insurance.
Lucas speaks German and English and brings both analytical knowledge and relevant industry experience to the team.
Underwriting Analyst
Lucas ZwickLussiana is an Underwriting Assistant at Alta Signa’s DACH office in Munich.
Lussiana is studying Economics at LMU Munich, where she has developed a particular interest in how macroeconomic and social disruptions influence the decisions made by companies and individuals. Alongside her studies, she has worked in empirical economic research, using real-world data to analyse economic relationships.
A native Spanish speaker, Lussiana is also fluent in German, English and French.
Underwriting Assistant
Lussiana Herrero PozoLudwig Riederer is an Underwriting Assistant at Alta Signa’s DACH office in Munich.
Ludwig is completing his Economics degree at the University of Passau. Before beginning his university studies, he served for one year in the German Armed Forces; an experience that helped him develop discipline, a strong sense of responsibility and an appreciation for teamwork.
Beyond his studies, Ludwig is active in several clubs and volunteers with social events and organisations. He is fluent in German and English.
Underwriting Assistant
Ludwig RiedererSean started his insurance career in Bermuda, joining Marsh & McLennan in the early 1980s, initially in their captive management operations before setting up Marsh’s specialty broking operation in Dublin, Ireland.
Sean joined Liberty Mutual in 1998, with the responsibility for establishing a new international Specialty Insurance division in Dublin’s International Financial Services Centre with a particular focus on the London and European specialty markets.
In 2011, Sean became the Chief Executive Officer of London based Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe Limited (“LMIE”). In the following 10 years LMIE achieved a tenfold profitable growth, including diversity of product and distribution.
Post the merger between LMIE and Liberty’s Lloyd’s Agency, Liberty Syndicates Management, Sean took the role of Chief Underwriting Officer of Commercial and Corporate Insurance, responsible for approximately $1.2 Billion in GWP.
Sean retired in late 2015 to set-up his own insurance consultancy and is currently a Non-Executive Director of New Asurion Europe Ltd and Aspen Risk Management Limited.
He is a graduate of York University with BA Hons in Economics/History.
Non-Executive Director