Marine
Markel growth despite quake
Markel International reported a 13% growth in gross written premiums in the first quarter of the year to $208.2m (Q1 2009: $185.0m). However, the insurer's combined ratio deteriorated to 109% (Q1 2009: 97%), which it attributed to $17m or 12 points of…
Oil spill could cost $3.5bn
The Deepwater Horizon oil slick approaching the Louisiana coastline could cost the insurance industry $3.5bn (£2.3bn).
Chaucer expecting $25m oil spill hit
Lloyd’s insurance group Chaucer has estimated losses of $25m (£16.9m) to Syndicate 1084 due to the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Postscript 30 years ago: Mancunian speaks out over fraud
The Manchester Marine Insurance Association had its 76th annual general meeting last month. Its outgoing chairman, Mr H E Wright of Eagle Star made some pungent comments that are worthy of record in this day and age of supertanker scuttlings and the rest.
Post Europe Interview: Anne-Sofia Hedin
Sweden has attracted a lot of attention recently, not least because of RSA's growth plans there and the opening of a new Lloyd's representative office. Lynn Rouse speaks to Markel's general manager in Sweden Anne-Sofia Hedin to get a better of idea why…
Insurance industry must do more to combat piracy – House of Lords
A report released from the House of Lords has said that the insurance industry “must accept a greater degree of responsibility” in the fight against piracy
Former Willis director joins RFIB
A former executive director from Willis, Karl Haynes, has joined RFIB Group as director of international claims. Mr Haynes was at Willis for more than 25 years, most recently within its marine division with responsibility for the international, trade &…
Torus appoints marine head
Torus has appointed Demian Smith as global head of marine with immediate effect. Reporting to chief underwriting officer of global specialty Dermot O’Donohoe, Mr Smith will facilitate the expansion of Torus’ specialty offering through the set up and…
Interview - John Hennessy: Opportunity knocks
CNA Europe CEO John Hennessy may have only been to London once before taking up his new role, but he tells Jonathan Swift why he already feels at home in the local market.
Carroll set to depart Canopius
Canopius Managing Agents underwriting director Tim Carroll is set to leave the company less than 18 months into the role.
Chaucer
Chaucer Holdings has appointed Andrew Voke to the newly created role of head of production for Syndicate 1084.
Election 2010 - Industry Q&A: Question time
In the final part of the countdown to the general election, Post took questions from the leading lights of the insurance industry and put them to the three main political parties.
Laser technology could reduce premiums
The introduction of new anti-pirate laser technology aimed at commercial shipping firms could lead to marine insurers reducing premiums.
Markel adds to hull and war team
Markel International has appointed Daniel McCarthy as an underwriter within its Hull and War team.
Canopius delivers profit of £55m for 2009
Canopius Group, the privately-owned Lloyd’s insurance underwriting business, has reported profit before tax of £55m up from £43m in 2008 and profit before tax excluding foreign exchange on non-monetary items of £74m.
LIU Europe expands into Birmingham
Liberty International Underwriters Europe has expanded its regional operation into Birmingham with the appointment of Dave Canning as regional senior underwriter.
RSA swoops for marine business
RSA's Danish subsidiary Codan Forsikring A/S has acquired the renewal rights to TrygVesta's marine hull portfolio for DKK 50m (£6m) in cash.
RSA swoops for marine business
RSA's Danish subsidiary Codan Forsikring A/S has acquired the renewal rights to TrygVesta's marine hull portfolio for DKK 50m (£6m) in cash.
Hardy sees profits rocket before exchange
Bermuda-domiciled insurer Hardy has reported a steep increase in profit before tax and foreign exchange movements of £26.7m (2008: £4.4m), in contrast to a slight dip in profit before tax of £20.1m (2008: £23.1m). The combined ratio before foreign…
QBE restructures European business
With immediate effect, QBE will operate four product underwriting divisions: casualty & motor; property; marine & energy; and reinsurance & specialist.
Argo moves into marine cargo
Argo has added marine cargo to its portfolio appointing Nick Derrick from Chubb Insurance as class underwriter to lead the new business.
Ascot appoints liability boss
Paul Simpson has 12 years experience in the insurance industry, most recently at Catlin where he was responsible for the marine liability account.
Zurich raids Allianz for marine underwriters
Zurich has appointed Rod O’Malley and John Gibson from Allianz as senior market underwriters in its marine cargo team.
Zurich names first global head of marine claims
Zurich has appointed Steve Gillen as its first global head of marine claims.