Markel appoints new Asia leadership to drive next phase of growth

Specialist insurer Markel has appointed Christian Stobbs as new managing director and Colin Fordham as director for its Asia operations.

Previously Asia strategy director, Stobbs will take on the role of managing director from Matt Cannock. He will lead Markel’s Asia team, including offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Mumbai. Stobbs first joined Markel in 2015 and is experienced in developing local market insurance and operational strategy across various regions including Asia.

Fordham joined Markel in 2017 as a senior marine liability underwriter and has been responsible for developing Markel’s marine liability book of business in Asia. He has been in the insurance industry for over 21 years, and has experience in marine insurance underwriting, claims and broking. As director for Asia, he will work closely with Stobbs to develop regional growth strategies and will lead the company’s business plans for Asia.

Markel said the senior appointments are a part of its strategy to expand its footprint and drive the company’s next phase of development in Asia.

William Stovin, president of Markel International, said: “The Asian commercial landscape continues to evolve rapidly and Markel, as a global provider of specialty insurance products, is committed to the region. I look forward to our company’s next phase of development in Asia. Our deep expertise of specialty products will allow us to provide valuable solutions to the wide ranging and complex needs of the business community in the region.

“Our best wishes go to Matt Cannock who has played a key role in establishing Markel as a brand in Asia over the past seven years.”