Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has named Anna Spink as head of marine, Australasia, expanding her responsibilities to oversee the company’s marine specialty lines across the region.
Spink, who is based in Sydney, will manage a diverse portfolio that includes marine cargo, marine liability, marine hull, pleasure craft, plant and equipment, general property, and heavy motor.
Mark Lingafelter, president of BHSI Australasia, welcomed Spink to the role and highlighted her industry experience.
“Anna’s underwriting expertise, deep relationships with customers and brokers, and track record of exceptional service really underpin our ambition to continue building out our ocean and inland marine specialty portfolio,” he said.
Spink joined BHSI in 2018 and most recently served as national manager, corporate property, in Australia.
She brings nearly 35 years of experience in the insurance sector, with a career spanning both the UK and Australian markets.
Prior to joining BHSI, Spink held several senior positions at QBE, including national manager, client engagement, and senior property underwriter, multinational. Her roles involved developing client-focused strategies, managing multinational insurance programs, and building relationships with brokers and clients in New South Wales and Queensland.
Earlier in her career, Spink managed regional property teams in the UK, overseeing budgets and team performance.
She also worked as a development underwriter at Affiliated FM, where she was responsible for establishing a new operation and growing a profitable book of brokered property business.
Her insurance career began at Chubb Insurance Company of Europe, where she spent over a decade managing portfolios and developing new business opportunities.
Spink’s appointment comes as the marine insurance industry faces a complex risk landscape.
According to Allianz Commercial’s 2025 Safety and Shipping Review, global shipping is being shaped by geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and changes in supply chains.
The report highlighted that, while there has been a long-term improvement in maritime safety, operational risks such as vessel fires, mis-declared cargo, and aging fleets remain significant.
The review noted that total losses of large vessels reached a record low of 27 in 2024, compared to more than 200 annually in the 1990s. However, traditional risks, including collisions and groundings, continue to impact the sector.
With about 90% of global trade moving via ocean freight, these trends are closely monitored by insurers and operators.
The global marine insurance market is also experiencing changes in pricing and competition.
Gallagher Specialty’s Q2 2025 Marine Hull & Machinery and War Risks Market Update reported that the hull and machinery segment is seeing a softening in rates, particularly in London, where competition among insurers is increasing.
This environment is providing buyers with more negotiating power, although the report cautions that some areas still face technically inadequate pricing.
Gallagher Specialty further noted that if multiple insurers pursue growth simultaneously, it could lead to instability in market pricing.
