The UK P&I Club has appointed Richard Offord as the new chief executive of its Singapore branch.
Offord (pictured) will assume the role on Dec. 1, 2024, succeeding Yiah Soon Ng (YS), who is stepping down after more than 27 years with the organisation.
Offord has been with Thomas Miller, which manages the UK P&I Club, since 1997. His most recent role was claims director, where he focused on International Group Agreement (IGA) claims and Charterers’ cover.
He has advised members on a range of contractual coverage matters, including COUs and compliance with IMO 2020 standards.
Offord transitions to Singapore from his current position in the club’s London office. He will report to Andrew Jones, regional director for Asia.
Commenting on his new role, Offord highlighted the importance of the region and his plans to build on the office’s achievements.
“Singapore is not only a dynamic market in its own right, but plays a significant role as an important trading hub for South-East Asia. I look forward to continuing to build on YS’s fantastic work to strengthen the club’s services and grow our membership within the region,” he said.
YS joined Thomas Miller (SE Asia) Pty Ltd in 1997 and has held various leadership roles, including chief executive of both the UK P&I Club and the TT Club’s Singapore branches. He has also served as general manager of the Thomas Miller Singapore office since 2009.
In a statement, Andrew Taylor, chief executive of the UK P&I Club, expressed appreciation for YS’s contributions and optimism about the future.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank YS for his years of service to the UK Club and wish him well in his retirement,” he said.
The Asia-Pacific region has become a significant contributor to the UK P&I Club’s global portfolio, now representing almost half of its entered tonnage.
Singapore, as a central hub for maritime activity in the region, plays a critical role in the club’s strategy.
Recent expansions to the Singapore office, including adding underwriting capabilities, reflect efforts to address the evolving needs of the regional marine insurance market.
Commenting on the leadership change, Taylor said: “Richard’s wealth of experience, combined with our established knowledge, history, and infrastructure in the region, will help us to continue to support the club’s prestigious members in this important market.”
