Markel International has appointed Jasminder Kaur (pictured) as country head for Malaysia, as part of its efforts to enhance its footprint in Southeast Asia.
Kaur’s role will focus on advancing the insurer’s underwriting capabilities in Kuala Lumpur and further aligning regional operations with Markel’s Singapore-based team.
Kaur will be tasked with leading local business growth initiatives and supporting Markel’s existing reinsurance licence under its Tier 2 status in Labuan. She will report to Kevin Leung, chief underwriting officer for the Asia-Pacific region.
Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Kaur previously served as CEO of MP Honan Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd, where she helped transition the company into an internationally focused boutique broker. Before that, she held leadership roles at Aon Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd, including as chief broking officer.
Christian Stobbs, managing director for Markel Asia-Pacific, said Kaur's appointment aligns with the company’s strategic goals in the Malaysian market.
“Jasminder’s appointment is a key strategic move for our business in Malaysia, leveraging her proven ability to deliver results and her deep understanding of the local market. We’re thrilled to have her join our team and are excited about the impact she’ll make in leading our expansion efforts and strengthening our relationships with clients and partners,” he said.
The leadership announcement follows Markel Group’s Q1 2025 earnings report, which showed decreases in operating revenue and income compared with the previous year. The company cited market value declines in its equity holdings as a key driver, contrasting with favourable results from Q1 2024.
Chaucer Group has hired Emily Brand as deputy class underwriter for energy at its Singapore branch, as the firm seeks to build underwriting capacity and deepen its position in the Asia-Pacific energy sector.
Brand will work alongside Scott Ho, head of energy in Singapore, and Charles Tan, contributing to the development and execution of Chaucer’s energy risk strategy in the region.
She joins from AEGIS, where she most recently served as an energy underwriter after progressing through various underwriting roles since 2017.
Her professional background includes positions at Markel and Lloyd’s, with a focus on marine and energy insurance.
“Emily’s experience in the energy market will play a huge role as we look to expand our energy offering across the region. I look forward to welcoming to her the team,” said Scott Ho, who also noted the region’s growing relevance in Chaucer’s global business plan.
Tysers Singapore has announced the appointment of Graham Gordon as marine divisional director, as part of its broader push to strengthen marine capabilities in Asia.
Gordon will report to William Furness-Smith, hull director and head of marine for the APAC region.
Gordon brings significant sector experience, having most recently served as chief client officer for Marsh’s marine practice in Singapore. His earlier roles include a long tenure at Jardine Lloyd Thompson, where he led marine operations for over two decades.
Furness-Smith highlighted Gordon’s industry standing and experience with regional markets.
“Graham is widely respected for the commitment that he shows to his clients together with his ability to foster long-term relationships and his market insight. His appointment reflects our continued commitment to investing in the very best market practitioners and delivering exceptional service to our clients across the APAC region,” he said.
Gordon commented on joining Tysers, referencing prior professional collaborations.
“I have worked with Tysers as a joint broker over many years. I have seen them deliver exceptional client service and value and have admired their retention of clients (and brokers) through long-term relationships built on proactive, authentic, and honest communication,” he said. “It is a privilege to join a team of like-minded professionals across their marine network, and I look forward to reconnecting with many first-class operators to support them fully in all challenges – refreshed and ready after a short and revitalising break.”
