Lloyd’s broker MNK Re launches new European subsidiary with ex-AIG chief

Specialist  Lloyd's of London re/insurance broker MNK Re Group has deepened its expertise and coverage in Europe with the opening of a new subsidiary, to be led by the former chief executive of the Polish branch of AIG Europe.

The new subsidiary will offer Polish clients a gateway to international capacity and specialised premium covers. It will focus on insuring difficult risks in a variety of areas including financial and specialty, chemical, industry, energy, terrorism and parametric solutions.

MNK Re Poland will be led by Agnieszka Zolędziowska (pictured right) as chief executive officer. She has a 30 year track record in the re/insurance industry, having started her career as a broker, before going on to become president and chief executive officer of the Polish branch of AIG Europe and serving as vice chairman of the AXA Board of Directors from 2016 to 2021.

A key part of her role will be to expand MNK Re’s presence in Poland and by extension, Eastern Europe, while developing relationships with local providers.

Zolędziowska will be joined by Agnieszka Szymczak (pictured left), who will be responsible for business development and cooperation with insurance companies and local and international intermediaries. Szymczak has been working in the insurance industry for 25 years.

Manoj Kumar, MNK Re group chief executive and managing director, said: “Agnieszka Zolędziowska and Agnieszka Szymczak were the natural choices to run our new Poland office. Their experience of operating in the Polish market and within the sector is highly impressive. Most importantly, they share our passion for developing innovative and pioneering solutions.

“Poland is the sixth largest economy in the EU and is rapidly becoming an economic and industrial powerhouse for the continent. Our decision to set up a new office here underlines our commitment to deepen our presence in Europe. I believe that we can bring something new to the market and our clients, taking on both complex and traditional risks under mandatory contracts and facultative reinsurance and also using the capacity of our own MGA.”

Zolędziowska, CEO of MNK Re Poland commented: “Thanks to MNK Re’s global network coupled with our knowledge of the local market, we will be able to provide the best possible tailored reinsurance solutions directly to clients, brokers, as well as interested insurers. Our advantage is the ability to benefit from the capacity of our own MGA, specialisation in difficult risks, Bancassurance Consultancy and the innovation of the Group's insurtech, focused on telematics.

“This move by MNK Re to open an office in Poland presents a great opportunity for us to be part of an exciting expansion project. It is clear from the work Manoj and the team are already doing in Poland and the region that MNK Re fully recognises the potential this market has to offer.”

Szymczak, director of business development at MNK Re Poland, added: “There is so much opportunity in Poland where clients need more capacity for the most complex and challenging risks and access to the latest solutions. MNK Re has number of unique products to help our clients and I’m very much looking forward to working with them.”

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