Markel Asia grows with key underwriting appointments

Alvernia Xu has been appointed head of Operations in APAC.

Markel, the insurance division of Markel Group, created several key hires for its Singapore and Hong Kong teams to bolster its growth strategy and underwriting capabilities in the Asia Pacific region.

Alvernia Xu has been appointed head of Operations – Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. Xu, who previously served as senior manager, Operations at Liberty Specialty Markets, will focus on enhancing operational efficiency. She will report to Christian Stobbs, managing director – Asia Pacific.

In Hong Kong, Jenny Choi has joined as senior underwriter, Casualty. Formerly a senior casualty facultative underwriter at Swiss Re, Choi's extensive experience in underwriting casualty risks in Hong Kong and Taiwan will aid in expanding Markel's Casualty portfolio in Asia.

Additionally, Anna Tan has been appointed senior underwriter, Fine Art & Specie in Hong Kong. With a background at Hamilton Insurance Group, Tan's expertise, particularly in Greater China, will help Markel's presence in the Fine Art & Specie insurance market.

In Singapore, Olga Wong has been named Senior underwriter of professional Financial Risk (PFR). Wong, who brings 20 years of experience from her previous role at AXA XL, will strengthen Markel's Financial Lines offerings, particularly in the Singapore market. Choi, Tan, and Wong will report to Kevin Leung, chief underwriting officer – Asia Pacific.

Furthermore, Isabelle Wong has been appointed cargo underwriter, responsible for developing and underwriting marine cargo business in the Asia-Pacific region. She joins from Willis Towers Watson and will be based in Singapore, reporting to Wanshi Lin, senior marine underwriter at Markel.