Aegis London to underwrite livestock after Markel raid

Aegis London has moved into livestock underwriting with the appointment of underwriter Sophie Dunkerley.

The account will cover livestock risks ranging from farmed animals such as cattle and poultry, to exotic and aquatic species.

Dunkerley, who will report to John Chambers, deputy active underwriter and head of specialty lines, has joined from Markel International where she was livestock underwriter.

Prior to that she worked for Talbot Underwriting where she set up the bloodstock/livestock division that was acquired by Markel last year.

David Croom-Johnson, active underwriter Aegis London, said: “We have been looking at livestock for some time as a profitable niche class which not only fits with our ongoing diversification strategy but also complements the existing lines we write in crop and forestry.

“The key to our decision has always been in finding an underwriter with the extensive expertise and experience that such a specialist class demands. Sophie Dunkerley fits that bill perfectly and we look forward to welcoming her to the team and helping her to grow a profitable new class of business for Aegis London.”