Marine insurer West [of England P&I Club] has appointed Bart Mertens (pictured) as its next chief underwriting officer effective early next year. Mertens will succeed Simon Parrott, who is set to retire in 2025 after a significant tenure with the company.
With over three decades of experience in marine insurance, Mertens brings extensive expertise to West. He comes from another International Group member where he spent the last 14 years as part of senior underwriting management, overseeing a range of regions and product lines.
Mertens’ background includes a Master’s degree in Law, Maritime Science, and Business Law. He began his career as a claims executive with a protection & indemnity correspondent in Antwerp before transitioning to a management role at a major insurance brokerage. In 2010, he made the move into underwriting.
West group chief executive Tom Bowsher had this to say about the upcoming transition: “Simon has made a significant contribution to our success during his time with West, and we are delighted that he will remain part of the Club’s management team to enable a seamless transition ahead of next summer.
“For West to attract someone of Bart’s experience and calibre further demonstrates the positive progress we continue to make as a Club, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with Bart in his new position as we continue to strengthen our service delivery across our global underwriting function.”
Upon his arrival, Mertens will collaborate with Parrott through the upcoming renewal cycle and into the 2025/26 policy year to ensure a smooth transition.
Mertens, meanwhile, commented: “As I look back with gratitude to the past 14 years, I am delighted to join West as the Club’s new chief underwriting officer and become part of their journey.”
He also praised West’s efforts to strengthen its capital base, expand product offerings, and increase its presence in key maritime hubs, including the insurer’s recent growth in the United Arab Emirates.
The incoming CUO added: “This strategy aligns with my own, and I feel privileged to have this opportunity to contribute to the positive progress of the Club and look forward to joining the underwriting team and working with Tom and the rest of the West Management as we look to deliver on our business objectives.”
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