Markel plucks QBE & SCOR talent in build-out of downstream energy offer

Specialist insurer  Markel International plucked talent from Australian insurance group  QBE and global reinsurer  SCOR, increasing its underwriting firepower in downstream energy by two thirds.

James Keens (pictured) joins as senior downstream energy underwriter in London. Keens was most recently a senior underwriter in QBE’s natural resources team in London as the latest stop in eight years in the London downstream energy market.

JJ Wong becomes downstream energy underwriter from the office in Singapore. Wong comes from SCOR where he managed a portfolio of downstream energy business across Asia Pacific at SCOR for more than four years. Wong started as an offshore energy engineer before transitioning into insurance in 2018.

Markel’s downstream energy team has now grown to include five underwriters who collectively deploy $150m of capacity on each risk, which has increased from $25m when the team was formed in 2017.

Markel International’s head of downstream Greg Walters commented: "James and JJ's appointments exemplify the growth of Markel's global energy underwriting capabilities. Their arrival from highly respected peers demonstrates our ability to attract top-notch industry talent with exceptional experience. Their specialised expertise will undoubtedly enhance the value we offer to our energy clients and brokers in their respective regions, further solidifying our commitment to delivering unparalleled service and solutions."

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