Trio of senior hires join Markel Dubai

Markel Corporation subsidiary Markel International has made a trio of senior appointments, all based at its Dubai office. They will support the organisation’s growth strategy in the Middle East and Asia Pacific regions.

Max Robbie has been named senior executive officer at Markel Dubai, subject to regulatory approval. He joined the company in October 2021 and was previously its head of upstream energy in Asia. Before that, he worked in Markel International in London and Oman Insurance. Robbie will replace Leroy Almeida, who will leave Markel at the end of the year and whose leader position in trade credit will be succeeded by the new head of trade credit, Crystal Dsouza.

Markel Dubai has also hired Vyankatesh Tak as a specialist marine underwriter. Tak brings more than 10 years of marine underwriting experience to the company, having previously worked as head of marine also at Oman Insurance. In his new role, Tak will work closely with Markel’s marine team in Asia Pacific, reporting to Colin Fordham, senior underwriter and director of marine at Markel International in Asia.

“I’m delighted that Max Robbie will be leading Markel on its next phase of growth in Dubai,” said Christian Stobbs, managing director of Markel International in Asia. “Since joining our Dubai office in 2021, he has shown exceptional drive and strategic direction. He will be supported by a strong team, and with the hire of Vyankatesh Tak and promotion of Crystal Dsouza, I’m confident that brokers and clients in the region will find increasing value in dealing with Markel.”

Stobbs also thanked Almeida for eight years of service at the helm of Marhel Dubai, saying that Almeida’s leadership led to the development of “a very strong specialty business”, especially in trade credit insurance. “We wish Leroy well for a deserved break from the industry,” Stobbs said.