Markel International, part of the US-based Markel Group Inc, has made a strategic move to expand its casualty capabilities in Asia with the appointment of Collin Sim (pictured) as casualty underwriter in Singapore.
This newly created role marks the insurer’s first dedicated casualty underwriting function in the market.
Sim will oversee the development and management of casualty insurance offerings across Southeast Asia while working closely with brokers and clients to support regional growth.
Her responsibilities include underwriting oversight and portfolio management in line with the firm’s risk appetite and operational frameworks.
With over 20 years of experience in casualty lines, Sim joins from Allied World, where she served as assistant vice president for general casualty across Southeast Asia. Her earlier career includes a 17-year tenure at Gen Re, where she helped establish and manage facultative casualty portfolios in markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, and China.
Wanshi Lin, who heads Markel’s Singapore office, said Sim’s addition will help reinforce the firm’s regional offering.
“We are delighted to welcome Collin to Markel. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the Asian casualty market will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence in the region. This strategic appointment demonstrates our commitment to building strong underwriting capabilities and delivering exceptional service to our clients and partners across Asia-Pacific,” she said.
Christian Stobbs, managing director for Asia Pacific, added that the appointment supports the company’s long-term regional strategy.
“[Sim’s] proven track record in developing profitable casualty portfolios and her deep relationships across the Asian insurance market make her the ideal candidate to establish and grow our casualty practice in Singapore,” he said.
Sim’s appointment comes shortly after Markel named Sucheng Chang as managing director for Asia-Pacific.
Based in Singapore, Chang will lead the firm’s operations across a network that includes Hong Kong, mainland China, Australia, India, Malaysia, and the Middle East.
He replaces Christian Stobbs, who has transitioned to a new role outside the Asia-Pacific remit.
Chang will focus on accelerating Markel’s regional expansion through its ongoing Accelerate Asia-Pacific initiative. Launched in 2019, the program has contributed to a sixfold increase in gross written premiums and tripled the regional workforce, according to the company.
Chang was previously CEO of Aon’s Hong Kong operations and has held senior roles at Liberty Mutual, including chief distribution officer for Global Retail Markets East and CEO of Liberty Insurance Singapore. He holds an MBA from Yale University and an undergraduate degree from Boston University.
These appointments follow the release of Markel Group’s first-quarter (Q1) 2025 results, which showed declines in operating revenue and net income compared to the prior year.
The results were impacted by unrealised losses in the equity investment portfolio, reversing gains seen in Q1 2024.
As required by US GAAP, changes in the market value of equity holdings are reflected in net income, contributing to earnings volatility.
However, net investment income increased by 8% year-over-year due to higher interest rates and greater investment in fixed income assets.
The quarter’s underwriting results were affected by US$80.6 million in losses tied to wildfires in southern California, contributing four points to the combined ratio.
