Sompo Canopius AG, a subsidiary of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Insurance, has launched its US ocean marine business. The firm also announced the appointment of John Ellis as head of the new division. He will be based in New York and report to Mike Southgate, global head of marine, energy and engineering.
 
The new ocean marine business is a significant expansion of Sompo Canopius’ operations in North America, headquartered in its New York office. It offers facultative property reinsurance, as well as financial and professional lines business.  The new division also aims to complement the firm’s marine account based in London.
 
Ellis joins from XL Catlin, where he was regional vice president for the US northeast territory. He has worked with Global Special Risk, RSA, and International Marine Underwriters, where he was regional president for the US northeast for almost ten years.
 
Meanwhile, Sompo Canopius has also hired Angela Nolan as underwriting assistant vice-president. She also joins from XL Catlin, where she was part of its marine underwriting division.
 
Southgate commented on the expansion and appointments, saying: “It has become increasingly clear that to be competitive in this market, we need a presence in New York, closer to the business and our clients. We are excited to launch our US Ocean Marine business and it demonstrates the strength of Sompo Canopius that John, who has a great track record and reputation in the market, has decided to lead the operation.”
 

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