Liberty in Asia Pacific, the regional arm of Liberty Mutual Insurance providing commercial, specialty and reinsurance solutions across the Asia Pacific region, has announced the appointment of Marcus Thomas as Chief Underwriting Officer, Asia Pacific, effective 1 July 2026, as the company prepares for a leadership transition following the forthcoming retirement of Michael Abdallah.
Liberty in Asia Pacific confirmed that Abdallah, who currently serves as Chairman of Australia and Chief Underwriting Officer for Asia Pacific, will retire on 30 September 2026 after 27 years with the organisation.
Abdallah joined Liberty in June 1999 as one of the three founders of Liberty International Underwriters (LIU), establishing its commercial and specialty business in Sydney.
The company said he played a central role in shaping the development of the business and contributed to its evolution into a broader regional and global specialty insurance platform.
Liberty in Asia Pacific said the business has grown under his leadership to serve more than 20,000 businesses and government organisations across the region.
The company credited Abdallah with guiding the business through a sustained period of profitability, while helping to establish a reputation for consistency, technical expertise and long-term partnerships with clients and brokers.
Liberty in Asia Pacific also highlighted his integrated team structure and disciplined underwriting approach, which it said supported the organisation through multiple market cycles and helped maintain stability for clients, brokers and cedants across Asia Pacific.
