Markel, the insurance division of Markel Group Inc, has announced a series of strategic hires to strengthen its operations in Singapore and Hong Kong.
These appointments are part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance its underwriting capabilities and expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market.
Alvernia Xu (pictured) has been appointed as the head of operations – Asia Pacific, based in Singapore.
Previously, she held the position of senior manager, operations at Liberty Specialty Markets, overseeing operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China.
In her new role at Markel, Xu will focus on optimising the company’s operational infrastructure to support its growth ambitions, improving efficiency for both clients and employees. She will report to Christian Stobbs, managing director – Asia Pacific.
“We’re thrilled to have Alvernia Xu join our team,” Stobbs said. “Her extensive experience in operations and digital distribution will be of huge benefit as we continue to expand our presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Her strategic vision will drive our operations forward, ensuring we meet our growth and efficiency targets.”
Olga Wong also joins the Singapore office as senior underwriter, professional financial risk (PFR). She previously served as a senior financial lines underwriter at AXA XL, bringing two decades of experience in financial lines underwriting across Asia. Her role at Markel will focus on enhancing the company’s financial lines offerings, particularly within the Singapore market.
In Hong Kong, Jenny Choi joins as senior underwriter, casualty. She comes from Swiss Re, where she served as senior casualty facultative underwriter. She has extensive experience in underwriting a variety of casualty risks, particularly in the Hong Kong and Taiwan markets. Her expertise is expected to play a key role in expanding Markel’s casualty portfolio in the region.
Anna Tan has also been appointed as senior underwriter for fine art and specie in Hong Kong. She was formerly with Hamilton Insurance Group, where she worked as senior underwriter, fine art and specie. Her extensive experience in Greater China and other Asian markets is expected to help Markel strengthen its position as a lead insurer for fine art and specie.
Choi, Tan, and Wong will report to Kevin Leung, chief underwriting officer – Asia Pacific.
Additionally, Isabelle Wong has been named cargo underwriter, responsible for developing and underwriting marine cargo business in the APAC region. She joins from Willis Towers Watson and will report to Wanshi Lin, senior marine underwriter at Markel.
“I’m excited to welcome Olga Wong, Jenny Choi, Isabelle Wong, and Anna Tan to the Markel family,” Leung said. “Their combined expertise and deep understanding of their respective fields will significantly strengthen our underwriting capabilities in Singapore and Hong Kong, helping to deliver a better proposition for our clients and brokers. We’re confident that their contributions will enhance our service offerings and solidify our market position in these key regions.”
Last month, Markel appointed a new head of casualty for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
