Specialist marine insurance broker AlphaXO Risk Partners has appointed Robert Hammersley as a director.

At the same time, founder Simon Gosnell is taking a step back from the day-to-day running of the company as he transitions to retirement. He remains involved in the ongoing development of AlphaXO.

Mr Hammersley has been MD at W E Cox Claims Group for four years, helping to set up the Australasian branch. He formerly headed marine insurance units at Lumley and QBE.