Markel International has appointed Keith Paul as senior underwriter for its trade credit and political risk team in Dubai.

Paul has more than 10 years of experience in underwriting across political risk, surety, trade credit and financial lines, the international specialist insurer said in a statement. He joins Markel from Coface Australia, where he was a senior commercial underwriter.

Prior to that, he was directors and officers liability underwriter for Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, following seven years at American International Group in Sydney as regional profit centre manager, where he was responsible for all aspects of political risk, surety and credit underwriting, business development, sales and marketing, as well as client and broker management.

He reports to Leroy Almeida, head of Markel’s Middle East operations. Paul will focus on new business development across the GCC and Africa regions, as well as management of the team’s existing client portfolio, the insurer said.

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“Keith’s appointment underlines our continued investment in the Middle East and commitment to developing our portfolio in the region,” said Ewa Rose, managing director of trade credit, political risk and surety at Markel International. “His solid and versatile experience, having worked with leading international companies, and advanced technical abilities will make him a valuable asset to the team. We welcome Keith to Markel and look forward to working closely with him.”