Trio of senior people moves for Markel Dubai

Markel International, a subsidiary of the Markel Corporation, has made three senior appointments for its Dubai office to support its growth strategy as the organisation continues its expansion in trade credit, energy and marine markets across the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions.

Max Robbie has been promoted to senior executive officer (SEO) at Markel Dubai. He joined Markel in Dubai in October 2021 and before that was head of upstream energy for the company in Asia. Robbie started his career at Markel International in London in 2013 before moving to Oman Insurance Company in 2018. He takes over from Leroy Almeida, who will be leaving Markel at the end of 2022.

Crystal Dsouza will take over Almeida’s trade credit responsibilities and has been promoted to head of trade credit at Markel Dubai.  She has been at the firm for more than five years.

Markel Dubai has also hired Vyankatesh Tak as a specialist marine underwriter. He will work closely with the marine team in Asia Pacific, reporting to Colin Fordham, senior underwriter and director of marine at Markel International in Asia.

Tak has more than 10 years of marine underwriting experience and was previously head of marine at Oman Insurance Company (OIC). He also has a strong track record in risk portfolio management, business development, and leadership expertise as a senior management committee member of the OIC.

Christian Stobbs, managing director of Markel International in Asia, said: “Since joining our Dubai office in 2021, Max Robbie has shown exceptional drive and strategic direction. He will be supported by a strong team, and with the hire of Vyankatesh Tak and promotion of Crystal Dsouza, I’m confident that brokers and clients in the region will find increasing value in dealing with Markel.”

Stobbs also thanked Almeida, adding that his “eight years at the helm of Markel in Dubai has led to the development of a very strong specialty business, particularly in trade credit insurance”.

“We wish Leroy well for a deserved break from the industry,” he said.

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