Berkshire's BHSI expands UK presence

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has opened a new office in Manchester with the appointment of three senior product line leaders, in a bid to further expand its capabilities in the UK.

Irfan Esa has joined as UK national property manager, Gemma McKenzie as UK national casualty manager, and James Burke as UK national executive & professional lines manager.

Esa comes to BHSI with more than 17 years of experience in technical property underwriting in the UK. McKenzie has more than 20 years of UK casualty underwriting experience, while Burke has 16 years of industry experience spanning all financial lines in the UK.

BHSI in Manchester will initially provide property, casualty and executive & professional lines with a large account focus in the region. In collaboration with specialty teams in BHSI’s London office, the new Manchester office will also offer additional coverages in the UK, including marine, transactional liability, construction, and life sciences coverages.

“We are pleased to expand our on-the-ground capabilities in the UK, installing stellar product leadership and the foundation to continue to grow our team in our new office in Manchester,” said Chris Colahan, head of UK & Europe, BHSI. “With this leadership team, coupled with Mark Walker, Head of Customer & Broker Engagement for the UK, we look forward to expanding our local market relationships – and spreading BHSI’s clear-cut, customer-focused underwriting and CLAIMS IS OUR PRODUCT philosophy to customers throughout the UK.”