Atlanta, Georgia-based former AIG NA aerospace head Lanford was officially unveiled as global head of aviation in October last year ahead of the launch of a new Allianz-backed North American aviation facility.

This publication had earlier revealed the executive was moving over after 17 years at AIG.

Lyons reunites with Lanford after 25 years at AIG, while Tippins – with two decades of aviation experience – was at AIG before spending the last 15 years at Starr Insurance Companies.

Latta has had stints at Starr and AIG before spending the last almost two years at Lockton. All three are also based in Atlanta and were most recently vice presidents.

In a statement confirming the hires, Rokstone said Lyons officially started his new role today (8 January), with the other two hires set to start following their respective notice periods.

Commenting on the additions, Lanford said: "Despite the investment in technological innovation, this will be the perfect combination of innovation backed by a relationship driven approach to business, led by a high performing team built on mutual trust to deliver long term success."

James Potter, CEO of Aventum-owned Rokstone, described the hires as "some of the best aviation underwriting talent in the US".

"The alliance aims to pioneer a technology-enabled, digital end-to-end solution for aviation insurance, setting new standards in the industry," he continued.

Lanford added that the team being put together has a shared vision to leverage technology to create a "cutting edge and comprehensive digitally enabled solution for aviation insurance".

"With support and collaboration from Rokstone and Aventum, we will turn this vision into reality and reinvent the way we underwrite aviation insurance," he added.

Rokstone described the strategic partnership as a "pivotal moment" in the aviation insurance landscape.

The partnership with Allianz provides S&P AA rated Allianz Commercial paper to the new MGA facility.

It will concentrate on SME business: light aircraft, commercial aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, commercial general liability (airports, fixed-base operators and service providers) and manufacturers' products liability for non-critical component providers.

Other recent moves by Rokstone in North America include the hire of Mike Nukk from AIG as head of marine in the region in a move also revealed by this publication.

Nukk is focused on building the MGA's marine portfolio in North America, with the new hire tasked with building out the book of predominantly SME and middle market business, from a start-up to a target of $100mn+ within five years.

And late last month London-headquartered Rokstone appointed Paul Amrose as head of its North American excess facultative property team, with the former Ascot executive joining from Accredited.