New appointments at Markel’s international casualty team
Markel has appointed Robert Hannaford to the role of senior underwriter, life science, and James Murray as head of general liability, with immediate effect. They will be based in Markel’s international casualty team, reporting to Graeme Ivory, director, international casualty.
In his new position, Hannaford will support the development and build-out of Markel’s life science portfolio in London. His other primary duties will involve identifying and assessing risk exposures to provide tailored insurance coverage through underwriting for a range of life science companies, including areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing/distribution, nutraceuticals, medical devices, contract manufacturing and clinical trials, among others.
Hannaford brings more than a decade of underwriting experience to his new role, including crossfunctional skills and expertise in life sciences, clinical trials and large multinational programmes for various industries. Previously, Hannaford spent 11 years at Newline Group.
Murray will work closely with Ivory to develop and lead an international general liability portfolio. This will include fostering broker relationships and ensuring high service levels and response times are maintained for them and their stakeholders. He will also be tasked with recruiting new underwriters to the international general liability team and mentoring existing colleagues, including supporting their professional development.
Previously, Murray was employed at AXA XL as underwriting manager for international wholesale liability, UK and Lloyd’s, where he led a team of underwriters and was responsible for managing coverholder relationships across Canada, Australia and Europe. Before his employment at AXA XL, Murray worked in MS Amlin’s international casualty division for six years.
Ivory said: “I’m delighted to welcome Robert and James to the international casualty team, here at Markel. With their combined underwriting knowledge, expertise and experience in portfolio management, I’m confident they’ll play an important role in helping us to realise our profitable growth ambitions for our Life Science and International General Liability business lines.”
He added: “Both Robert and James’ arrival underpin our long-term commitment to supporting brokers and clients, as well as key business partners across Markel International’s specialty classes of business. I look forward to seeing the insights and contributions they’ll bring to support our strategic growth plans and ambitions for Markel’s specialty division in London.”
