SOMPO CANOPIUS LAUNCHES US OCEAN MARINE BUSINESS

Specialist re/insurer Sompo Canopius has launched a US ocean marine business as part of its US expansion strategy. John Ellis has been appointed head of US ocean marine and will be supported by Angela Nolan as underwriting assistant vice-president. Both Ellis and Nolan have joined from XL Catlin. Ellis, who was previously regional vice-president at XL Catlin, managing its marine and inland book for the US northeast territory, will lead the development and strategy of the business and further build out the team. Sompo Canopius said the launch was an expansion of its US operations, which include facultative property reinsurance and financial and professional lines business written from its New York office. The US marine practice is intended to complement its marine account written in London. Mike Southgate, global head of marine, energy and engineering, said: “It has become increasingly clear to be competitive in this market, we need a presence in New York, closer to the business and our clients."