Changes in Lime Street as The Club strengthens its London presence
Norwegian Hull Club is further strengthening its presence and commitment to the London market with a number of key changes at its Lime Street office.
Ole Wikborg, who has held the role of Head of London branch since it opened in 2016, is to step down from this position before retiring later in the year. We are pleased to confirm that Andrew Hannay will take over, as Senior Vice President Marine - London, and Head of London branch, from April 1.
In addition, Norwegian Hull Club is reinforcing its commitment to the marine global specialty segment by transferring Hege Midtsæter – Senior Vice President for Global Specialty – from Bergen, Norway, to London for three years.
Solid foundation
Norwegian Hull Club’s London office was established to enhance relationships with international clients and brokers in the historic centre of global marine insurance. By providing direct access to its products, experience and expertise, through invaluable face-to-face engagement, Norwegian Hull Club’s business has grown significantly in the City.
The Club will continue to build on this solid foundation going forward, delivering its service concept and cementing its reputation as ‘the preferred service provider’.
‘Here to stay’
Andrew has worked as a Senior Underwriter in the London office since it was established. He came with a decade’s worth of experience from both claims and underwriting in the London Insurance Market.
Elected to the Lloyd’s Market Associations’ Joint Hull and Joint War Committees as Norwegian Hull Club’s representative in April 2018, Andrew will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Marine London Section.
Chief Underwriting Officer, Atle Fjeldstad, said: “Andy has developed a reputation and position in the London insurance market for himself and Norwegian Hull Club that has helped secure our position for the present and future. By appointing Andy as Head of the London Office, The Club is showing everyone in the market our long-term commitment: ‘We are here to stay’.”
‘Commitment’
Following her relocation to London in July, Hege Midtsæter will continue to dedicate herself to the development and provision of tailor-made solutions to emerging risks facing The Club’s clients. She will also work to further establish the knowledge and benefits of the Norwegian Hull concept in the global epicentre of marine global specialty insurance.
Commenting on Hege’s move, Atle Fjeldstad said: “Relocating Hege, our Senior Vice President for Global Specialty, to London again demonstrates The Club’s commitment to this segment. Hege is a highly experienced underwriter within several segments, from traditional Marine to the most bespoke composite insurance solutions. But, even more importantly, Hege is a true professional with a high standing in our industry, solidly planted on a strong Norwegian Hull Club foundation.”
High-profile ambassador
Norwegian Hull Club would like to take the opportunity to sincerely thank Ole Wikborg for all his dedicated efforts for more than 21 years at The Club. Throughout the past five years, he has successfully established The Club’s presence in London, following his 15 years as Head of Norwegian Hull Club’s Oslo branch.
Ole is also well known to the international marine insurance community. He has been a high-profile ambassador for Norwegian Hull Club as well as for the Nordic marine insurance market through his extensive involvement and past chair of the Nordic Association of Marine Insurers CEFOR, and as the President of the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI). We wish Ole all the best as he now starts to prepare for his well-earned retirement later in the year.
