Adam Wright has been appointed as Ecclesiastical Insurance's new director of property underwriting for the UK.

Mr Wright joins from Aviva, where he was property underwriting manager for the past six years.

A spokesman told Punchline-Gloucester.com: "Adam replaces Paul Messer, who has moved to a new group role supporting underwriting capability across Ecclesiastical's insurance businesses."

With more than 30 years' underwriting experience, Mr Wright has worked in the London market for nearly 20 years, both in Lloyd's with Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance and MS Amlin, and the company market with Aviva and RSA. Previously, he spent 10 years in the regional market with RSA.

Ecclesiastical said the move coincides with an ambitious growth phase, the specialist insurer aiming to double the size of its business over the next few years as part of a mission to give more to good causes.

Last year, the insurer made a successful launch into leisure and has plans to move into new sectors this year.

Marc Lewis, Underwriting Director at Ecclesiastical UK, said: "I'm delighted Adam has decided to join the team at Ecclesiastical Insurance. He has a vast amount of experience in the UK property market and will undoubtedly bolster our efforts in establishing a world-class underwriting proposition."

He added: "His strong leadership skills and expertise will provide a positive impact on our business moving forward.

"We have a unique proposition at Ecclesiastical, combining specialist expertise with market-leading service, alongside a purpose to contribute to the greater good of society and I know Adam is excited to join us."

He added thanks to Paul Messer for his service to the team, saying he had been instrumental in the success of our property book.

Mr Wright said: "I am really looking forward to this new opportunity at Ecclesiastical. Through all the conversations I've had, it's clear this is a different kind of business. What shines through is the brilliant culture of teamwork and collaboration, and its unique purpose to contribute to the greater good of society. I am excited about the ambition, beliefs, and purpose of the company, and I'm looking forward to helping grow the business over the coming years."

● The appointment follows Laura Carter's recent promotion to Customer Segment Director.