Castel targets marine expansion as it poaches from Navigators

Castel Underwriting Agencies, a managing general agent (MGA) formation platform, has hired Gert van Middelkoop from Navigators as head of its new marine centre of excellence.

Middelkoop will be responsible for the development and oversight for a marine book of business in the UK and continental Europe. The newly established marine centre of excellence with teams in London and Rotterdam will focus on all classes of marine business including cargo, hull and liability.

Middelkoop joins from Navigators where he was head of marine international division overseeing all marine operations in Continental Europe, Asia and Latin America. He has held senior marine underwriting roles with AIG, CV Starr and Torus (now StarStone). His marine experience extends into surveying and claims with several years working as a marine surveyor and loss adjuster.

Mark Birrell, chief executive of Castel, said: “Gert brings Castel an unrivalled track record and reputation in the marine insurance market. His experience and knowledge will be important as we build our presence in this market and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the prevailing conditions.”

Middelkoop commented: “Castel has a proven model that supports entrepreneurial underwriters to build profitable books of business. For the marine market, the current hardening of rates together with the withdrawal of some carriers and capacity creates the opportunity for a one stop marine shop which our new centre of excellence will be. Castel provides us with flexibility, strong capacity and backing to be able to respond to these opportunities.”