Markel appoints new head of Hong Kong office

Markel International has appointed Ada Lam as development underwriter and head of its new Hong Kong office.

Lam will be responsible for growing the Markel portfolio in North Asia. Her role is to enhance relationships with business partners in Hong Kong and across the Greater China region.

Peter Phillips, Managing Director of Markel International in Asia, said, “It is an opportune time for Ada to join us - at the start of 2011, when we expect steady growth in demand for the specialist products we provide in this region, particularly in Hong Kong and Greater China. Ada’s strong background and proficiency in financial and professional risks made her an obvious candidate for the role.”

He added, “As Hong Kong is one of the key financial centres in the world, it was just a matter of time before we opened an office in the territory. With Ada’s proven ability and know-how in the specialised insurance market, we are confident that she can meet the needs of our clients in Hong Kong, in particular those in the financial sector.”

Prior to joining Markel, Lam held positions in the insurance broking industry where she specialised in financial lines products. She started her insurance career in Toronto in 1994 and has been closely associated with insurance solutions for financial institutions, professional service providers and major public companies. She is a qualified insurance practitioner and holds an accreditation from Insurance Brokers Association of Canada.

Lam said: “I am very excited to be taking on this role. It will be a challenge at the beginning because the financial market and our clients’ needs are complex and changing. Our new Hong Kong office gives us a base to strengthen our reputation in the region and extend Markel's products. We will be able to respond quickly to clients’ requests and develop and diversify our product offerings to meet individual clients’ demands. ”