Willis director leaves to join Chaucer as head of marine specialty

Specialty re/insurance group  Chaucer has hired a Willis Towers Watson director to head up its new marine specialty division, as it looks to further grow its portfolio in targeted segments.

Marine specialty will be led by Mike Smith, who has over 35 years’ insurance industry experience focusing on all aspects of marine cargo and freight liability from both a broking and claims management perspective. Most recently, he was responsible for servicing a portfolio of global cargo accounts at Willis, where he has spent nearly two decades.

“We’re delighted to welcome Mike to Chaucer. His depth of expertise in Marine Insurance will be invaluable as the team undergoes changes to better position us for future growth,” said Nicola Stacey, chief underwriting officer of Chaucer. “Mike’s reputation for driving client service and leading a motivated team to achieve success will make him a real asset to the firm.”

The appointment comes as the marine insurance lines at Chaucer are set to be repositioned to support product development and technology driven sector innovation, enhanced service, and future growth in targeted segments.  The following changes will come into effect in January 2022.

‘Marine Global’ will be led by Phil Graham, the incumbent head of marine at Chaucer, and incorporate the London and International market lines of cargo, specie, hull, war and liability, and the ports and terminals portfolio.

‘Marine Specialty’ will include marine PI and transport logistics, the Freight Forwarder business in London and Lonham, Chaucer’s specialty cargo, freight and logistics liability insurer based in Ipswich, where Smith will be working closely with Mike Ayres and the underwriting team.

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