Talbot expands US presence with marine & energy appointments

Talbot, the Lloyd's-based subsidiary of Validus, has announced the appointment of Tom Guarnera as vice president of Talbot Underwriting Services (US).

He will be based in Talbot’s New York office and will report to David Hawksby, CEO of Talbot Underwriting Services (US).

Tom brings more than 40 years of marine and energy underwriting and administration experience to Talbot, and throughout his distinguished career he has been responsible for the management and production of books of marine and energy business.

Prior to joining Talbot, Tom served as division senior vice president, marine & energy, at Tower Group, managing director of Mosaic Underwriting Services and senior vice president of Mutual Marine Office.

In addition to marine and energy, Tom has been involved in the underwriting and administration of multiple classes of insurance including airline, ceded reinsurance buying and general liability.

“As Talbot continues to expand its global platform, Tom will be invaluable in bringing our best-in-class products and services to the US market,” said James Skinner, director of underwriting at Talbot Underwriting Ltd. “Tom’s expertise and knowledge of the sector are unmatched and he will be a valuable resource as we continue to build and strengthen our global capabilities.”

Further expanding Talbot’s US presence, Christian Platusich has joined Talbot’s New York office as underwriter, marine & energy. Christian most recently served as vice president, marine & energy, at Tower Group, and since 2005 has held a variety of underwriting positions within the marine and energy sectors. He began his career as an officer aboard CalDive’s Q4000 semi-submersible construction and well intervention vessel.