ROWLAND RECEIVES KNIGHTHOOD

LONDON-Several British insurance executives are among the people receiving knighthood and other honors in the Queen Elizabeth II's new year's honors list.

Lloyd's of London Chairman David Rowland was knighted, recognizing his achievements during a 40-year career in the London insurance market. Sir David, 63, has been credited with saving Lloyd's from the brink of disaster by spearheading passage of the market's reconstruction and renewal program. He also was named The College of Insurance's 1996 Leader of the Year in September (BI, Sept. 30, 1996).

Other Lloyd's chairmen have been knighted following their retirement, but that practice ended in 1988, when the market began posting tremendous underwriting losses. Sir David's knighthood reflects his efforts at rescuing Lloyd's from that downturn and restoring profitability. He has said he will retire at the end of this year.

Victor H. Blake, non-executive chairman of the London-based reinsurance operations of CNA Insurance Cos., was awarded an Order of the British Empire in the queen's honors list. The OBE reflects Mr. Blake's 19 years of involvement in various insurance organizations, culminating in the formation of the London International Insurance & Reinsurance Market Assn. and the opening of the London Underwriting Centre in March 1992.

In addition, Peter Davis, group chief executive of Prudential Corp. P.L.C., has been awarded a knighthood for his "services to training and industry."