XL boosts marine team in Brazil

XL Group has strengthened its marine capabilities across Brazil with the appointment of Nicolás da Silva as marine liability underwriter and Leandro Meili as marine risk engineer.

Da Silva joins from AIG Seguros Brasil, bringing with him in-depth experience of underwriting risks in marine including ports and terminal liability.

Meili brings eight years of experience in naval architecture and ocean engineering. Prior to joining XL, he worked as a naval architect at Gelehrter Consultoria in Sao Paulo and as founding partner and naval architect at Netuno Engenharia Naval in Manaus.

Mauricio Giuntini, head of marine in Brazil, said: “Brazil's export economy is growing quickly, as Brazilian multinationals seek to increase trade with other nations. A result of this activity is increased exposure to transportation risks for Brazilian goods. Companies based in Brazil, maybe with operations in Asia, Africa, Europe and/or the US, need to carefully manage their risks in order to deliver their growth targets.

Giuntini added: “There is clearly a strong requirement for marine insurance in the region, supported by robust risk engineering and this is why we have strengthened our team in both disciplines.”

Lee Meyrick, chief underwriting officer, global marine and offshore energy, added: "Logistics and the ever changing methods of transporting and moving goods whether over land, sea or air present real and developing risks for our clients. We look to bring together our experiences as a global insurer and our dedicated local expertise to support our Brazilian clients by helping them identify and manage their risks to bring relevant and added value to their businesses.”