Talbot boosts marine & energy with Tower hires

Talbot Underwriting, a subsidiary of Validus Holdings, has strengthened its marine and energy team with two hires from Tower Group.

Tom Guarnera joins Talbot as vice president of Talbot Underwriting Services (US) and Christian Platusich has joins Talbot’s New York office as marine and energy underwriter.

Guarnera will be based in Talbot’s New York office and will report to David Hawksby, chief executive officer of Talbot Underwriting Services (US).

He brings more than 40 years of marine and energy underwriting and administration experience to Talbot. Prior to joining Talbot, Tom served as division senior vice president, marine and energy, at Tower Group, managing director of Mosaic Underwriting Services and senior vice president of Mutual Marine Office.

Platusich most recently served as vice president, marine and energy, at Tower Group, and since 2005 has held a variety of underwriting positions within the marine and energy sectors.

James Skinner, director of underwriting at Talbot Underwriting, said: “As Talbot continues to expand its global platform, Tom will be invaluable in bringing our best-in-class products and services to the US market. Tom’s expertise and knowledge of the sector are unmatched and he will be a valuable resource as we continue to build and strengthen our global capabilities.”