Miller bolsters Japanese non-marine drive

Miller, the UK-based independent specialist (re)insurance broker, has announced a further expansion of its presence in Asia with the appointment of Kazuhiko Shinkai as head of Miller non-marine Japan strategy. This follows the news of the firm’s extension of its Japanese specialty offering into non-marine insurance lines via its Japanese business, Lead Insurance Services Limited, through the appointment of Tokinori Kono, as head of non-marine broking, whose target is to build out an expanded set of product capabilities for Miller in Japan. After regaining independence from WTW back in 2021, Miller is now majority owned by Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC after it bought out the stake held by co-investor Cinven at the end of last year. Since GIC took a majority share, Miller has announced the appointment of Alberto Ferriolo, further strengthening its cargo capabilities in APAC and Bonifasius Dipati as a risk engineer in its Singapore energy team to bolster its growing energy business under Matt Hooker, head of energy (Asia Pacific). Beginning his role on 1 July 2024, Kazuhiko is responsible for overseeing the operational management of Miller’s Japanese business, as well as leading a further expansion of the broker’s non-marine business locally. Kazuhiko brings over 35 years’ experience, most recently with Itochu Corporation, where he has held a range of management roles. Kazuhiko is a graduate of the Insead International Executive Program and his other career experience includes roles at PWC and Liberty Mutual. Japan is an important growth market for Miller, having acquired Lead in 2022 following a longstanding 25-year relationship between the two businesses. Ron Whyte, head of Asia at Miller, commented: “With over 35 years in the Japanese insurance market, we are delighted to have Shinkai-san join us. He is well respected in the industry and brings deep knowledge and experience that will be highly relevant as we seek to broaden our footprint and strengthen our capabilities in Japan. We remain excited by the opportunities and potential we see for Miller in both Japan and Asia.” Since returning to independence in 2021, Miller has seen significant growth, with annualised revenues now well in excess of £200m. Over this period, headcount grew to over 900 with the addition of over 250 new employees. Miller has also made acquisitions in Europe and Asia and launched its first MGA sister entity, Casper Specialty UK Limited. James Hands, CEO, Miller, said as the GIC investment was announced: “When Miller returned to independence in 2021, we outlined a bold and ambitious vision, and today’s announcement reflects how we’ve delivered against this. We have meaningfully grown our revenues, both organically and inorganically, added well over 250 colleagues across the UK, Europe, Asia and Bermuda, and built on our reputation for market-leading specialism and highest quality of service to our clients. “Looking ahead, GIC’s ownership will enable us to maintain the exciting trajectory we are on. As we seek to add new talent and continue our M&A strategy, stable long-term ownership and independence will be critical differentiators for Miller. GIC’s investment is also a strong statement of confidence in our future and the strategy the management team has set to build on our platform.”

Miller bolsters Japanese non-marine drive

Broker continues APAC expansion

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