Businesses announce new hires, leadership appointments

Zurich UK named Sam Thomas permanent chief underwriting officer, while Insurely appointed Andrew Cassell co-founder and managing director. Markerstudy appointed Laura Walker group chief operating officer, and Jensten Group named Clive Buesnel chief executive, succeeding Rob Organ. Seventeen Group added two executive roles, appointing Stephen Smith chief broking officer and Matthew Crisp group chief operating officer. In commercial real estate, Avison Young appointed Winters Heafey vice president in its Denver office, where he will join the firm’s Hospitality Group and advise on hotel investment opportunities.