Cowbell has appointed Simon Hughes as chief commercial officer, elevating the executive who built the company’s U.K. operation to oversee worldwide commercial strategy as the cyber and specialty insurer targets its next growth cycle.
Hughes, who previously served as SVP, Global Distribution & GM, UK, will be responsible for Cowbell’s global commercial agenda spanning distribution, partnerships, international expansion, and market development, the company said January 15. The move comes as Cowbell emphasizes sustained growth, operational profitability, and continued geographic expansion.
Since joining Cowbell to launch its U.K. business, Hughes has helped broaden the company’s international footprint and deepen its distribution ecosystem. In his new role, Cowbell said he will focus on scaling its commercial engine and strengthening broker and partner engagement as the company grows its risk pool and expands its product and services portfolio.
Cowbell said it now partners with more than 35,000 producers globally as it positions itself as a broader digital protection partner for small and mid-market organizations.
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, Cowbell offers what it calls Adaptive Cyber Insurance and an API-driven platform that unifies cyber, tech E&O, and management liability. The company says policies can be issued in as little as five minutes using its AI-powered platform and “Cowbell Factors” continuous risk assessment framework. Cowbell serves businesses with up to $1 billion in annual revenue and operates across all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom, with teams in the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, and the U.K.
KEY QUOTES:
“Simon has been instrumental in shaping Cowbell’s international presence and elevating our commercial capabilities. As we enter this next phase of growth, his leadership across distribution, partnerships, and global market strategy will be critical to scaling responsibly while deepening our value to brokers and policyholders worldwide.”
Trent Cooksley, Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer, Cowbell
“Cowbell’s growth over the past several years, from launching new markets to broadening our product and services portfolio, has been extraordinary. Leading the UK launch has been a career highlight, and I’m proud of the impact our team has made across the organization. As we move into this next cycle, I’m eager to help drive our global commercial strategy and continue building a platform that delivers protection with clarity, confidence, and scale.”
Simon Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer, Cowbell
