Liberty poaches European Property Underwriting duo for market expansion

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of  Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has tapped two senior executives from managing general agent (MGA) European Property Underwriting (EPUL) to help launch a new insurance product in the UK.

Steve Lawrence (pictured left) and Andrew Whittaker (pictured right) have been appointed as senior underwriters to support the launch of a new real estate insurance product, as the company sees “real opportunities” in this market.

Based in London and reporting to LSM head of property Dermot Walsh, the executives will write a new retail rstate product focusing on larger clients including property investors, asset managers, managing agents and pensions funds. The product targets offices, retail premises including shopping centres, hospitality and leisure facilities and warehouses among others.

Prior to joining LSM, both spent 22 years at EPUL. Whittaker joined EPUL in 2013, becoming the MGA’s managing director in 2016. Lawrence has underwritten for a number of insurers, most recently he was business development director at EPUL.

Walsh said: “The real estate market has been through a challenging period with capacity in short supply and a shortage of really experienced and talented underwriters. There are real opportunities for the right team with the right product to service this market.”

“Steve and Andrew know this sector exceptionally well and are highly respected figures in the market. By bringing them on board, we can leverage the strengths of our property team while developing a new underwriting specialism.

“Our objective is to become a leader in mid-market property, growing a book primarily in the UK but with some European business that will make Liberty a very credible alternative to existing players.”

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