HDI enters Asian political risk & credit market with Markel/Aon hire

Industrial insurer  HDI Global SE Singapore (HDI) has entered the political risk and credit market in Asia with a senior underwriting hire from Markel. The move is aimed at capitalising on new opportunities and growing its footprint in the region.

James Guardino (pictured) joins HDI from Markel where he was a trade credit and political risk underwriter. Prior to that, he was a broker at Aon and the Texel Group. He has been based in Singapore for over 10 years.

HDI Global currently offers property, casualty, engineering, marine cargo and power & energy in Asia. The Singapore branch functions as a hub for the Southeast Asian market and underpins its ambition to be a global player.

The hire of Guardino adds political risk and credit to the portfolio and will be backed by capacity and expertise from HDI Global Specialty SE. Guardino will have a dual reporting line to Graham Silton and Nick Robinson, HDI Global Specialty SE’s head of political & credit risk in London.

Silton said: “I’m delighted to bring someone of James’ ability and track record to the business as we enter the Political Risk and Credit market in Asia. He has gained a wealth of experience in a relatively short period of time and I am looking forward to working alongside him as we build out our product offering in the region.”

Nick Robinson, HDI Global Specialty’s product head, added: “Providing capacity and thought leadership in the Singapore and wider Asian market is a key objective within the development strategy of our Political and Credit risk coverage. We’re delighted to welcome and support James with this initiative.”

Guardino commented: “HDI has a strong and growing reputation in Asia and I’m looking forward to bringing new opportunities to the business as we grow our Political & Credit Risk market footprint in the region.”

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