Apollo Appoints David Burke to Lead Global Product Recall Expansion

Quick Summary

Apollo has appointed David Burke as Class Lead for its product recall insurance line to drive expansion beyond automotive risks. Formerly of Hiscox, Burke will leverage his decade of expertise to scale Apollo’s underwriting strategy and enhance its reputation as a top-tier provider at Lloyd’s of London.

How Does David Burke’s Appointment Scale Apollo’s Product Recall Strategy?

Apollo is aggressively expanding its product recall insurance footprint by transitioning from a niche leader in automotive recall to a multi-sector specialist. By securing David Burke, who spent 10 years at Hiscox, Apollo gains a leader with a proven track record in managing complex recall risks. This move is designed to capture market share in profitable new niches while maintaining the high service standards that recently earned the firm a top-two ranking in the Gracechurch report.

• Strategic Hires: Recruitment of top-tier talent to lead specialized underwriting units.
• Market Expansion: Moving beyond automotive into diverse, high-margin recall sectors.
• Broker Relations: Strengthening ties with broker partners through technical precision and speed.

What Results Has Apollo Delivered in the Specialty Insurance Market?

The company continues to demonstrate underwriting excellence, as evidenced by its recent performance metrics. Apollo was ranked second overall in the '2026 London’s Leading Underwriters Report' by Gracechurch, a key industry benchmark. This recognition highlights the firm's ability to deliver data-driven solutions across its Property, Casualty, and Specialty lines. The integration of Burke is expected to further solidify this momentum, ensuring that the product recall insurance division remains a cornerstone of Apollo’s growth strategy.

How Does This Move Benefit Global Broker Partners?

Brokers operating within the Lloyd’s ecosystem require speed and precision when placing complex risks. Apollo’s investment in senior talent like Burke ensures that partners have access to commercial insight and deep technical knowledge. This expertise allows for the creation of creative risk solutions that address emerging challenges in global supply chains. By maintaining strict underwriting discipline, Apollo provides the stability and reliability that brokers and capital partners demand in a volatile global economy.

"We are pleased to welcome David to Apollo. His experience spans a broad range of complex recall risks and enables us to expand into other profitable niches. I am confident he will contribute to the already strong momentum across our portfolio." said James Slaughter, chief underwriting officer at Apollo.

"Exceptional underwriting talent is central to Apollo’s success, and David brings the expertise, commercial insight and market credibility to help us take our product recall proposition to the next level. David’s strong reputation and technical expertise will further strengthen our ability to respond to clients' needs with speed and precision, while maintaining the underwriting discipline and service our broker partners have come to expect." added Chris King, head of specialty at Apollo.

FF NEWS TAKE:

Apollo’s poaching of a 10-year Hiscox veteran is a clear signal of intent. In the high-stakes world of product recall insurance, technical expertise is the only real moat. By diversifying away from a heavy reliance on automotive, Apollo is insulating its portfolio against sector-specific downturns. This appointment definitely moves the needle, positioning Apollo as a formidable challenger to established incumbents in the London specialty market.