Liberty hires Catlin execs to launch new casualty business

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has launched new four-strong casualty team in its Cologne office.

The new team, all former Catlin executives, which will write a book of primary and excess casualty business, will strengthen LSM’s presence in the German casualty market. They will report to Wolfgang Weis, Northern European regional manager and Cologne branch manager – insurance.

Leading the team is Detlef Offenhau who has more than 20 years’ experience working in the German casualty market and has a successful track record in developing casualty and long-tail business in Germany.

Offenhau will be joined by Rainer Rieger, senior underwriter, Sebastian Schare, underwriter. Both have experience in the German market. The fourth member, an underwriting assistant, will join in February.

“This is a very attractive opportunity for us,” said John McCammon, head of international network offices, LSM.

“Detlef and his team are exceptionally well-respected in the German casualty market and have developed strong relationships with the broking community.

“With our focus on international distribution hubs, Liberty has been developing plans to strengthen our casualty presence in Germany. The arrival of Detlef and his team has shortened that process for us, allowing us to hit the ground running.”