Markel draws ex-Tokio Marine/AIG to fuel ‘profitable’ trade credit growth

Specialty insurer  Markel International, a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, has tapped a Tokio Marine senior executive with a background at AIG to spearhead profitable growth across its UK and Europe trade credit portfolios.

Markel has appointed Laura Devoir (pictured) as an underwriter and senior credit analyst for its trade credit team.

Based at Markel’s London office, Devoir will report to Adrian Jones, senior underwriter of trade credit, political risk, and surety (TCPRS) – head of UK and Europe at Markel International, where she will be involved in managing global clients and dealing with new business enquiries by underwriting risks.

Devoir will also be responsible for fostering broker relationships, while educating brokers and insureds on Markel’s trade credit products and services, to help them make more empowered decisions for their businesses.

Devoir possesses 23 years’ experience in trade credit and previously worked at Tokio Marine HCC International Group, during which time she managed the organisation’s food sector portfolio as a senior underwriter for more than seven years. Prior to that, Devoir was employed at AIG, starting as an underwriter before her promotion to corporate manager.

Simon Philpin, head of trade credit at Markel International, said: “We are excited about Laura’s experience and engaging personality, which will help us to strengthen our broker relationships. Insurance is a relationship-driven industry and given Laura’s 23 years’ experience and knowledge of the market, she will be instrumental in supporting our ongoing growth plans and ambitions for the coming years.”

Jones commented: “We are delighted to have Laura join Markel International’s UK and Europe trade credit team. Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role which will be beneficial for brokers, insureds, and our trade credit team as a whole.”

He added: “With what is already an exciting year ahead, we look forward to working with Laura as a key member of the team, so that we can continue enhancing our leadership position across the UK, Europe, and global trade credit markets.”

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