5X5 Aviation Insurance appoints Doug Tibbs as MD

On top of his aviation insurance experience, a former professional pilot with more than 6,000 flight hours in over 45 aircraft types.

5X5 Aviation Insurance has appointed Doug Tibbs as managing director as it positions for a new phase of growth.

Tibbs joins with more than two decades in aviation insurance leadership, most recently overseeing one of North America’s largest general aviation insurance portfolios, managing $200m in profit and loss ownership.

Throughout his career, he has led underwriting teams, developed safety programmes and worked with aircraft owners, operators and aviation businesses across the world. 

“For years, aircraft owners and pilots have been asking for the same things: more transparency, real choices, faster decisions and recognition for the time they invest in training and safety,” said Tibbs. “I am joining 5X5 because the company was built to answer those requests instead of accepting the status quo. This is an opportunity to build something better for aircraft owners rather than simply maintain an existing model.”

Unlike traditional aviation insurance models that rely on multiple layers of communication, 5X5 connects aircraft owners directly with the underwriting team. The result, according to the company, is faster decisions, greater transparency and insurance solutions built around each pilot’s actual experience, training and risk profile.

“Doug understands the mission of 5X5 and its necessity to the consumer,” said Troy Kopischke, 5X5’s founder and CEO. “He has seen every side of aviation insurance, as an underwriter, broker and pilot – and, perhaps more importantly, he shares our belief that aircraft owners deserve an insurance experience that is simpler, more transparent and centred on them. He will continue to challenge and disrupt conventional thinking in this industry.”

Tibbs believes the aviation insurance industry is entering a period of change as technology, data and direct customer engagement create new opportunities.

“I’ve seen firsthand where the traditional process creates unnecessary friction,” said Tibbs. “Information often passes through multiple hands before reaching the underwriter, which can slow decisions and leave customers without clear explanations. By working directly with aircraft owners, we gain a better understanding of how they fly, train and manage risk. That leads to better conversations, better underwriting and ultimately a better experience.”