London, 14 September 2026 – Rising Edge Ltd, the innovative insurance underwriting specialist operating across London and Europe, today announced three strategic appointments as it accelerates into a bold new phase of growth and innovation.
Chris Smerald joins as Chief Actuary, bringing a long and distinguished career in the insurance industry. A highly respected market specialist in actuarial science and data analytics, Chris has extensive experience applying advanced technologies to complex reserving, pricing, claims, and delegated authority challenges, helping businesses make better-informed decisions and drive sustainable growth.
Jessica Stephenson joins as General Manager from the Connect Underwriting Group, adding a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership experience gained across both the MGA market and the wider global insurance sector. Jessica will play a key role in supporting Rising Edge’s continued expansion and operational development.
Tatiana Davanzo joins as Tax Insurance Underwriter, bringing specialist technical expertise gained from her time with PwC and J.P. Morgan. Tatiana will lead the development of this complementary line of business of tax liability insurance, further enhancing Rising Edge’s transactional risk and Warranty & Indemnity (W&I) offering.
The appointments strengthen Rising Edge’s leadership, underwriting, and technical capabilities as the business continues to scale its platform, expand into new lines of insurance, and invest in innovation. With a clear ambition to challenge traditional market models, Rising Edge is investing in exceptional talent, advanced technology, and data-driven insights to create a more agile and differentiated underwriting proposition for MGAs, brokers, and clients.
Philippe Gouraud, Chief Executive Officer of Rising Edge, commented:
“This is a pivotal time in our development, and having the right people on board is critical to delivering our ambitious plans. Chris, Jessica, and Tatiana each bring exceptional expertise and experience that will strengthen our business and help us seize the opportunities ahead.
These appointments represent a significant milestone in our journey and underscore our commitment to attracting outstanding industry talent to support Rising Edge’s long-term vision for growth, innovation, and market leadership. We are delighted to welcome them to the team.”
About Rising Edge Rising Edge Ltd is a specialist managing general agent and an incubator for innovative insurance businesses operating in the London insurance market, with expertise in financial and transactional lines of business. Founded in 2014 as Concordia, it rebranded in 2021 as Rising Edge Ltd. www.risingedge.co
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