Wills brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as Head of Marine for Asia-Pacific at Tokio Marine Kiln. In that position, he successfully re-established the company's marine portfolio in the region. His career also includes marine underwriting roles at Chubb Insurance and QBE, equipping him with a deep understanding of the industry's complexities.
Rory Morison, Managing Director for Australia at Markel, expressed enthusiasm about Wills's appointment: "Tim's expertise makes him a valuable addition to our team, and we're very excited to welcome him to Markel. This diversification into marine is a continuation of our plan to put local, empowered specialty underwriters on the ground in Australia, serving the unique needs of our customers in each jurisdiction."
This strategic move comes as global trade volumes and vessel values continue to rise, presenting new opportunities and challenges in the marine insurance landscape. Markel's entry into the Australian marine market aims to address these evolving needs by offering tailored insurance solutions.
For Australian boat owners and marine businesses, this development signifies increased options for comprehensive coverage. Markel's commitment to local expertise and specialised products aligns with the industry's demand for insurers who understand the unique risks associated with marine operations.
As Markel establishes its presence in the Australian marine insurance market, stakeholders can anticipate innovative products and services designed to meet the sector's specific requirements. This expansion reflects a broader trend of global insurers recognising the potential within Australia's vibrant marine industry.