Markel’s downstream energy team has now grown to include five underwriters who collectively deploy $150m of capacity on each risk, which has increased from $25m when the team was formed in 2017.
London:
Markel International, a subsidiary of the Markel Corporation, has appointed James Keens as senior downstream energy underwriter in London, and JJ Wong as downstream energy underwriter in Singapore.
Markel’s downstream energy team has now grown to include five underwriters who collectively deploy $150m of capacity on each risk, which has increased from $25m when the team was formed in 2017.
Keens and Wong, who took up their roles in February, will use their strong analytical skills and deep industry knowledge to help Markel’s global clients assess and manage risks associated with the production, storage, and transportation of oil and gas products.
Joining Markel from QBE, Keens brings more than eight years’ experience in the London downstream energy market. In his most recent role as senior underwriter in QBE’s natural resources team, Keens was responsible for underwriting a variety of energy risks for clients with complex operations around the world. Keens will report into Greg Walters, head of downstream at Markel International.
Working in the energy industry for over a decade, Wong started as an offshore energy engineer before transitioning into insurance in 2018. Since then, he has quickly developed an excellent reputation for his technical and commercial capabilities.
Most recently, Wong managed a portfolio of downstream energy business across Asia Pacific at SCOR for more than four years. His appointment illustrates Markel’s ambition to expand its onshore specialist underwriting capabilities and energy portfolio in the Asia Pacific Region.
Commenting on the new appointments, Greg Walters, said: “James and JJ’s appointments exemplify the growth of Markel’s global energy underwriting capabilities. Their arrival from highly respected peers demonstrates our ability to attract top-notch industry talent with exceptional experience. Their specialised expertise will undoubtedly enhance the value we offer to our energy clients and brokers in their respective regions, further solidifying our commitment to delivering unparalleled service and solutions.”