Markel targets Asia Pacific growth with new Singapore leadership role

Country is company's largest market in the region for specialty products

Markel targets Asia Pacific growth with new Singapore leadership role

Markel, the insurance division of Markel Group Inc, has introduced the new position of head of Singapore and named Wanshi Lin to the role, effective immediately.

The creation of this leadership position is part of the company’s efforts to expand its underwriting operations and strengthen its footprint in the Asia-Pacific market.

Markel head of Singapore

In this capacity, Lin (pictured) will oversee underwriting operations in Singapore and take charge of business planning and market engagement through Markel’s Lloyd’s Singapore platform. Her responsibilities will include fostering relationships with key brokers and clients in the region.

Lin will report to Christian Stobbs, managing director for Asia Pacific.

Stobbs said that Singapore is the company’s largest market in the Asia-Pacific region for specialty products.

“I’m thrilled about the energy and innovative ideas Wanshi will bring to this pivotal role,” he said, adding that Lin’s leadership will help the company build on the strong progress it has made in recent years and deepen its engagement with brokers and clients.

Kevin Leung, chief underwriting officer for Asia Pacific, said Lin’s expertise and knowledge of the Singapore market are key to reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing top-tier underwriting support in this important hub.

“It’s a delight to see Wanshi progress to take on this role,” he said.

Wanshi Lin’s career

Lin first joined Markel in 2018 as an assistant underwriter specialising in marine insurance. She was later promoted to senior underwriter in 2023.

Before joining Markel, she worked as assistant vice president at Marsh Singapore, where she gained experience in insurance broking and market strategy.

Markel business development hire

In a separate announcement, Markel revealed that Jack Taylor has been appointed to the newly created position of executive, distribution strategies and business development for Asia Pacific.

Based in Singapore, Taylor’s role will centre on enhancing broker relationships and driving the company’s market expansion in the region.

Taylor’s appointment reflects Markel’s strategy to grow its presence in Asia Pacific, a region it has identified as critical to its specialty insurance business. His responsibilities will include working with regional leadership, underwriters, and the company’s international teams to enhance distribution strategies and improve engagement with brokers.

Taylor joins Markel with significant experience from his previous roles at Zurich Insurance, where he worked in both London and Singapore. His expertise spans underwriting, broker management, and business development.

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