Skuld is restructuring its executive team and market organisation, combining regional teams into larger business units and creating global leadership roles for its main product lines.
The changes take effect on November 1.
The Norwegian marine insurer, a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, said the changes would improve co-ordination across regions and products and give members, clients and brokers a more integrated service.
Kristian Løberg (pictured, left) moves from chief financial officer to chief underwriting officer (CUO). Oda Bjerketvedt Norderud (pictured, right) becomes chief financial officer.
Three global product heads will report to the CUO. Lars Dueled becomes global head of protection and indemnity (P&I), Paul Fry global head of hull, and Christofer Kobro global head of energy. Gregory Thomas continues as chief business development officer, focusing on market development and growth.
The market organisation is being reorganised into six business units, all reporting to the CUO.
Skuld Nordics, led by Kristoffer Kohmann, covers teams in Oslo, Bergen and Copenhagen. Skuld Europe covers Oslo, Hamburg and Piraeus, with Lars Dueled leading on an interim basis while a permanent head is recruited. Skuld UK & Americas, led by Paul Fry, covers London and New York. Skuld Singapore & Japan, led by Nick March, covers Singapore and Tokyo. Skuld Hong Kong is led by Patrick Wang, and Skuld Energy, led by Christofer Kobro, has teams in Oslo, London and Singapore.
In Hong Kong, Wei Fan will succeed Wang as head of the business unit in September 2027, when Wang becomes chairman of Skuld (Far East).
“As we move toward Skuld’s 130th year in operation, Skuld has never been stronger, both in size and in product expansion, and it is vital that our organisation evolves alongside our further growth ambitions,” said Ståle Hansen, president and chief executive of Skuld.
He said the restructure would strengthen co-ordination and create a stronger platform for growth.
For marine brokers, the main change is a single underwriting chain of command, with product heads and business units all reporting to the CUO. That should make it clearer who makes underwriting decisions on P&I, hull and energy, but it also means new reporting lines to learn ahead of the February 20 P&I renewal.
London brokers will deal with Paul Fry in two roles, as global head of hull and head of the UK & Americas unit. Brokers placing European business should note the interim leadership in Skuld Europe until a permanent head is appointed.
With geopolitical risk keeping marine markets volatile, Skuld’s growth in hull and energy alongside P&I is also worth watching.
