Canopius is in the final processes of opening an office in Sydney, Australia, and has hired Claudio Saita to lead the new entity.

Previously deputy CEO and executive director of Tokio Marine Management Australasia, where he spent 10 years, Saita’s immediate focus at Canopius will be on building a team and engaging locally with existing and new partners. He will report to Mark Newman, Canopius’ CEO of Apac and Mena.

Speaking about his appointment, Saita says: “Growing the Canopius portfolio in Australia and New Zealand is a very exciting proposition. This region presents significant opportunities for committed and locally empowered carriers that embrace technology.”

As part of its ongoing expansion in the Asia Pacific region, the firm’s new Sydney operation will be open to underwrite business in time for the June 30 renewal season, and will provide a local underwriting hub for business in Australia and New Zealand, targeting a combination of SME business via coverholders, wholesale direct and facultative, as well as reinsurance treaty business.