Familiar faces moving up the ranks plus a sprinkling of fresh arrivals… that’s what North P&I Club’s Greek team is looking like, as the marine insurer “adds strength and depth” to the unit.

Michael Asherson, claims director in charge of the Greek membership, is departing at the end of the month to join South African law firm Shepstone & Wylie in Durban as partner. Taking over his duties is master mariner Gagan Dhillon, who will lead the Newcastle-based claims team.

North said Dhillon first sailed in command of a tanker in 2007 before coming onboard the insurer in 2010.

“After 18 years with the Club, Michael, a qualified South African attorney and registered solicitor in England and Wales, leaves with our best wishes for his relocation home to Durban and future legal career,” stated North when it announced the changes.

Promoted executives also include Claire Andrews and Maria Psaroudaki, who are now deputy directors for claims. Andrews will be supporting director Tony Allen in managing protection and indemnity claims run from the Greek office, while Psaroudaki will assist Dhillon in his management role in Newcastle.

Meanwhile Gillian Stanton, who previously worked with the Greek team between 2010 and 2015, has moved to the Piraeus office as part of the FD&D (freight, demurrage, and defense) unit.

As for new hires, joining North soon are Duncan Howard and Dimitra Capas. Howard is a senior lawyer and claims handler from the Standard Club, while the latter is a senior Greek and English qualified lawyer from Norton Rose Fulbright. 

“These staff changes, supported by our external lateral hires, represent a major investment in the resources available to our members based across Greece,” commented the Club’s chief executive Paul Jennings. “This investment is in line with our business growth plans and is a key part of our strategy to provide the highest levels of service to our members in Greece.”