Protection and indemnity (P&I) club Gard has appointed Mark Russell (pictured) as managing director of its Hong Kong office. Russell’s appointment is effective August 01, 2018, replacing Trygve Nokleby, who is returning to Norway to take a senior role.

Russell is currently vice president and head of cargo claims at Gard UK since 2010. He is in charge of P&I cargo claims (dry and liquid) across all of Gard’s offices.

With close to 30 years’ experience in shipping, Russell began his career as a merchant navy deck officer in 1989. He went on to obtain a first class honours degree in Maritime Studies from Solent University before joining Gard in August 1996.

“Our global network provides claims and sales resources to local markets where members and clients are located and casualties occur,” commented Rolf Thore Roppestad, chief executive officer of Gard. “Gard has invested considerable resources over the last decade in building our Asian footprint to serve this important region so we can offer a first class service wherever we are needed. Mark’s deep experience of Gard and his claims expertise are valuables asset for our teams, members and customers to draw on moving forward.”