Gary Cook hire follows three new senior appointments in past six months

Lloyd’s insurer Advent has appointed Gary Cooke as cargo underwriter for its marine division. The division underwrites marine hull, war, liability, aviation war and specie insurance and reinsurance.

The announcement follows the appointment of William Beveridge as chief underwriting officer (CUO) and active underwriter of Syndicate 780, which writes a broad spread of London market focused insurance and reinsurance lines.

Beveridge said: “Gary’s appointment further enhances our growing marine team, adds strength to our market presence, and further complements our presence in the upstream energy sector.”

The marine division is led by James Bavin, reporting to CUO Beveridge. Bavin is supported by James Wilkie (marine liability) and Simon Lovell (hull). All three have joined Advent over the past six months.

Advent chief executive Nigel Fitzgerald said: “The development of our marine team is part of a continued investment by Advent and highlights our ability to attract quality people as we position ourselves as a service-orientated specialty underwriting company. Our investment in Marine follows the earlier launch of our Accident & Health division, and we will continue to carefully explore opportunities.”