Markel International, a subsidiary of the Markel Corporation, has announced three senior appointments at its Dubai office, further supporting its growth strategy as the organisation continues its expansion in trade credit, energy and marine markets across the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions.
Max Robbie has been promoted to senior executive officer, having previously served as head of upstream energy for Markel in Asia.
He first began his career at Markel International in London in 2013, before moving to Oman Insurance Company in 2018.
Robbie takes over from Leroy Almeida, who will be leaving Markel at the end of 2022. In trade credit, Almeida will be succeeded by Crystal D’souza, who has served at Markel International for the last five years.
Markel Dubai has also hired Vyankatesh Tak as a specialist marine underwriter. Tak holds over a decade of marine underwriting experience and was previously head of marine at Oman Insurance Company.
In his new role, Tak will work closely with Markel’s marine team in the Asia Pacific, reporting to Colin Fordham, senior underwriter and director of marine at Markel International in Asia.
Christian Stobbs, managing director of Markel International in Asia, commented, “I’m delighted that Max Robbie will be leading Markel on its next phase of growth in Dubai. Since joining our Dubai office in 2021, he has shown exceptional drive and strategic direction.
“He will be supported by a strong team, and with the hire of Vyankatesh Tak and promotion of Crystal Dsouza, I’m confident that brokers and clients in the region will find increasing value in dealing with Markel.”
Stobbs added, “I’d also like to thank Leroy Almeida, whose eight years at the helm of Markel in Dubai has led to the development of a very strong specialty business, particularly in trade credit insurance. We wish Leroy well for a deserved break from the industry.”
