Berkshire Hathaway unit expands in the UK and Ireland

Billionaire-backed Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) is entering the world of property construction coverage in the UK and Ireland.

As part of the expansion, the Boston-based insurance behemoth has named a property construction head for the UK and Ireland in the person of Simeon Seamer. The former senior construction underwriter at Zurich Global Corporate UK most recently served as SCOR Global P&C’s EMEA head of construction and senior underwriter.

Seamer, who started his insurance career as a London Market broker specialising in construction, brings nearly two decades of construction insurance and reinsurance industry experience to BHSI.

“With the current uncertainty surrounding available capacity for the construction industry in London, BHSI is pleased to provide a stable, reliable solution,” commented BHSI head of UK and Europe Chris Colahan.

“We enter the property construction market with substantial capacity backed by stellar financial strength, BHSI’s long-view market commitment, and the expertise of Simeon to lead our growing team.”

Also part of the UK and Ireland construction unit are vice president of casualty James Emson and senior underwriter for professional indemnity Farhad Dabestani. They were previously with QBE and AXA XL, respectively.

All three are based in BHSI’s London office.