Tokio Marine's GCube prepares for business growth with string of hires

Specialist renewable energy insurer GCube has bolstered its offshore wind and US teams with new underwriting talent from Talbot and Allianz, as it prepares for increased activity in the fourth quarter.

Joshua Cantwell, formerly of Talbot Underwriting, and Zoe Massie, formerly of Allianz Global, have joined the offshore wind team alongside Georgia Ward, who will assist with the increased volume of business since the company’s acquisition by Tokio Marine HCC.

Prior to joining GCube, Cantwell held the position of class underwriter and subsequently interim head of energy for Talbot Underwriting. He was responsible for the global upstream portfolio and has been directly managing the upstream London team over the course of the past year.

Cantwell will bring his expertise in underwriting offshore risks to GCube’s London office and will have global remit for the development of the offshore book in Asia and North America.

Massie previously held the role of offshore energy underwriter at Allianz Global and will bring her experience in onshore construction, cargo, terrorism and downstream energy books of business to her new role as underwriter for GCube.

These appointments come alongside a number of new hires in the US as GCube continues to grow its global presence in the renewable energy insurance sector.

The company has recently hired Devon Krajacic, formerly of USI Insurance Services and SES Risk Solutions, as underwriting assistant for its Newport Beach office, and has also hired Matthew Pampin as an underwriting assistant for its New York office.

Fraser McLachlan, chief executive of GCube, said: “Our new hires in the offshore space mean GCube has by far the largest dedicated offshore wind team compared to any of our peers in the market. We are pleased to welcome talent across all aspects of the business, from people who show early signs of promise to senior specialists with wide-ranging expertise.”

McLachlan added: “Following our US team’s reorganisation, we are looking forward to its growth as we continue to announce new hires for this side of the business. This additional staffing and capacity will allow us to more effectively serve our client's needs, especially as the market continues to harden. Our clients have come to expect a market-leading track record of reliability, and we are delivering it beyond expectation. We are very excited about the prospects for 2021 and beyond.

“Ultimately, our expertise and experience in the sector will be vital as the market moves out of subsidies. GCube’s acquisition by Tokio Marine HCC earlier in the year means we can continue to expand our team both on the underwriting side and claims side to meet greater demand for high-quality insurance services across the sector.”