Pen Underwriting, a multi-class, multi-territory managing general agent (MGA), has appointed Petra Votzakis as Renewable Energy Underwriter.
The appointment aligns with the firm’s long-term strategy of growing its existing specialism in anaerobic digestion (AD), expanding its risk-management-led insurance propositions for the waste-to-energy industry and branching into new areas of renewable energy.
This also aims to propel Pen’s planned expansion into the construction risks of new AD operations, to offer greater broker choice in a limited and highly specialised insurance market.
Votzakis has two decades of industry experience, across broking and underwriting, and has spent the past decade specialising in construction, engineering and renewable energy risks.
Most recently, she served at Allianz’s dedicated Engineering, Construction and Power business as Renewable Power Underwriter focused on UK onshore risks including solar, wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion.
Andy Dixon, Commercial Director, Hazardous Goods & Environmental Industries, Pen Underwriting, commented on the appointment, “The continued growth of our renewable energy proposition is a key strategic priority for Pen, and I am delighted to welcome Petra to the team. She joins us with significant engineering and renewable power underwriting experience, covering a broad range of technologies including solar, wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion.
“Alongside her technical expertise, Petra has a proven track record of supporting brokers, managing complex risks and developing colleagues. Her appointment represents another important step in strengthening our capability and reinforces our commitment to delivering comprehensive and tailored underwriting solutions to the renewable energy sector.”
Votzakis added, “Renewable energy is entering a period of rapid growth and innovation, creating significant opportunities for insurance providers that genuinely understand the risks behind the transition. From anaerobic digestion and solar to wind and battery storage, clients need partners who can keep pace with evolving technologies, changing regulations and increasingly sophisticated risk profiles.
“Insurance is about more than protecting assets; it’s about enabling investment and growth. So, I’m excited to join a business that takes a proactive approach to helping clients manage the risks of anaerobic digestion plants, while supporting business growth and mitigating the impact of any losses. I’m also looking forward to helping Pen extend its expertise across the wider renewable energy sector, supporting clients as they navigate both the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition.”
AD, also known as circular energy, is considered one of the ‘cleanest’ forms of renewable energy as it converts organic waste to energy while creating other beneficial by-products such as nutrient-rich fertiliser.
Pen’s product offering for the AD sector aims to support a wide range of operations, including wastewater treatment plants, animal and farming waste, food and drink production facilities, landfills, and recycling facilities, amongst others.
