Tokio Marine's GCube sets sights on North American expansion in 2021

Specialist renewable energy insurer GCube Insurance Services plans to expand its new and existing business throughout North America in 2021 under the ownership of  Tokio Marine HCC.

The MGA has unveiled a senior underwriting hire from insurer Chubb in San Francisco to support its large-scale solar and onshore wind projects across the US and Canada.

Landis Knorr is GCube’s third hire in the US in recent weeks, following the appointments of underwriting assistants Devon Krajacic and Matthew Pampin to the Newport Beach and New York offices, respectively.

Knorr has over 18 years of property/casualty insurance experience, including underwriting, managing and brokering across numerous lines. Before joining GCube, he was a commercial energy regional manager for Chubb, where he serviced renewable power, traditional power and mining clients in the pacific region. He previously managed the environmental risk underwriting team for Chubb’s northwest region.

Knorr will report to Brian Tyluki, senior vice president and senior underwriter, who heads up North American underwriting.

The company said more new hires are planned for 2021 as GCube prepares for further growth following its acquisition by Tokio Marine HCC in June.

The MGA is also focused on building its risk modelling capabilities for natural catastrophes, as well as investmenting in sustainable approaches to underwriting new business in 2021.

Tyluki said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Landis on board as we prepare for a busy year ahead supporting the expansion of renewables across North America. There’s no doubt that the risk profile for construction and operation of wind and solar in the market is becoming increasingly complex, but by continuously investing in our team and capabilities, we’re positioning ourselves strongly to meet this challenge.”

Knorr added: “It’s an exciting time to join GCube as it goes from strength to strength. The insurance sector has a critical role to play as the US energy market undergoes a fundamental transition. Collectively, we need to draw on our knowledge and experience of market risks to provide a sustainable insurance offering and ensure the industry can navigate a critical moment in its growth.”