MNK International, an independent Lloyd’s broker providing specialist insurance and risk solutions to clients internationally, has appointed William Wakeham as Managing Director, International Energy, as it establishes a dedicated energy division.
The broker said the move forms part of its plans to expand its energy broking capabilities in emerging and specialist markets.
Wakeham joins the business with more than three decades of experience in the insurance industry, having supported clients across global markets and built specialist knowledge in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
His career has included work on large-scale conventional energy and oil and gas projects, as well as an increasing involvement in renewable energy developments for investors and project developers, particularly in Southern Africa.
Wakeham’s new responsibilities will include building and leading MNK International’s energy broking offering across renewable energy, battery storage, data centres, grid infrastructure, conventional energy and energy security. MNK International added that the division will target selected markets spanning Africa, the Middle East, Eastern and Southern Europe, the Baltics, Asia, Central America and South America, supporting insureds, local brokers and cedants in these regions.
He will also be responsible for expanding the specialist energy team and advancing an engineering-focused approach to risk management. The broker explained that engaging with clients earlier in the project lifecycle will allow the team to support improved risk allocation, stronger insurance submissions and the development of projects that are more insurable, bankable and resilient.
Naman Kumar, Chief Executive Officer at MNK International, commented: “William brings extensive energy market experience, strong international relationships and a clear vision for building a differentiated broking proposition. His expertise across conventional and renewable energy will be invaluable as we expand our capabilities in emerging and specialist markets. His appointment reflects our commitment to combining entrepreneurial thinking with deep technical expertise to deliver long-term value for clients and partners.”
Wakeham added: “It is clear that entrepreneurial spirit and thinking are actively encouraged at MNK International, which creates a strong platform for building a unique international energy proposition. I look forward to growing this new division and developing a technically excellent, commercially minded and engineering-led approach that engages with clients at an early stage. By providing tailored and innovative solutions to clients across the globe, we want to help make projects more insurable, more bankable and more resilient.”
