Several insurance appointments have been announced to bolster various segments and lines of business in the UK.
Markel has appointed Dean Johnson (pictured above, left) as senior underwriter, transport and logistics, with immediate effect. Based in London, Johnson will focus on underwriting liability and property package policies for ports, terminals, and marine trades, as well as cargo liabilities and marine professional indemnity on a global scale.
He will also work closely with brokers to develop new products and identify growth opportunities. Johnson joins Markel from Travelers Syndicate Management, where he spent 14 years, most recently as an underwriter in Ports and Terminals. His prior experience includes serving as a Marine Hull and Liability Placing Broker at Ropner Insurance Services.
In January, Grant Smith was also appointed to lead Markel's transport and logistics team within its International Specialty division, bringing over 17 years of underwriting and leadership experience.
Shepherds Friendly has announced the appointment of Oliver Laird (pictured above, right) as a non-executive director. The modern mutual, which has surpassed 150,000 in-force policies and launched its first television advertising campaign, is preparing for its bicentennial in 2026.
Laird brings over 20 years of experience in the retail, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. He has held senior financial roles at Lookers PLC, First Direct Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, and Co-Op Insurance Services. His non-executive portfolio includes positions at Beverley Building Society, Vanquis Bank, and Paysafe.
In December 2024, Phil Nash joined the firm as the new chief sales officer, bringing 25 years of financial services experience to lead the society's intermediary partnerships.
Brace Underwriting has announced the appointment of Hayley Johnston to its board as an independent non-executive director, subject to regulatory approval.
Johnston is currently CEO of Lancashire Insurance Company Limited in Bermuda and was previously Chief Underwriting Officer at Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited. She has also held underwriting and reinsurance management roles at Axis Specialty Europe.
In August 2024, Martin Thomas also joined the company as head of underwriting management, overseeing operational control and governance frameworks.
Meanwhile, Specialty MGA UK has expanded its energy team with the addition of two senior underwriters. Alex Rowe and Savita Patel will support the company’s growth strategy, leveraging their global experience across Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.
Rowe, who specialises in upstream and midstream energy, joins from Travelers and brings over 25 years of industry experience.
Patel, with a background in downstream energy, mining, onshore power, and renewables, previously served as head of energy at Ocean Re and spent a decade as an energy underwriter at Swiss Re. She also has experience as an energy risk consultant in Africa.
Earlier this month, the company also named Sam Hui as senior underwriter for onshore construction and energy.
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