Nexus Underwriting CEO Rouse Under Investigation for 'Inappropriate and Offensive' Email

Nexus Underwriting CEO Stuart Rouse is facing an internal investigation for sending a "wholly inappropriate and offensive" email to 350 employees. The email, which was meant to thank a retiring colleague, included coarse language that the colleague was not known for using. The company has apologized and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive environment.

Nexus Underwriting, a specialist MGA platform of London-headquartered intermediary Kentro Capital, has initiated an internal investigation following a "wholly inappropriate and offensive" email sent by its CEO, Stuart Rouse. The email, circulated to 350 employees on June 30 to mark a colleague's retirement after 46 years, contained coarse language that the retiring colleague was not known for using [1].

The email, which included a reference to the retiring colleague's ability to "include the words 'hairy' and 'growler' into a conversation, quite often leaving the room to howl", was deemed offensive by the company. Nexus Underwriting, in a statement, acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and apologized unreservedly for the offense caused. The company emphasized that the email does not reflect its values and has launched an investigation to understand how this occurred [1].

Stuart Rouse assumed the role of CEO of Nexus in July 2024, following the departure of Kentro co-founder Colin Thompson. Prior to this, Rouse served as group chief financial officer and chief operating officer at Nexus. The company is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment for all its colleagues and deeply regrets the incident [1].

The incident comes amidst a period of significant change for Nexus Underwriting, which was sold to U.S. retail and wholesale broker Brown & Brown in May 2023. The deal closed in October 2023 when specialist UK insurance investor BP Marsh completed the sale of its minority stake in Kentro to Brown & Brown for £51.5 million [1].

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L6N3TB0GP:0-nexus-opens-internal-investigation-into-inappropriate-ceo-email/