Validus appoints underwriting manager for Greater China

Validus Holdings has hired Ellie Zhou as underwriting manager for Greater China.

Zhou will help grow the firm’s existing business in the Chinese region, as well as serve existing customers.

The Validus Group, which is based in Bermuda, currently writes China business via its London and Singapore offices.

The company has also announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Talbot Underwriting is joining Lloyd’s Insurance Company China, the Lloyd’s China platform in Shanghai, where it will establish an underwriting division focused on reinsurance.

Zhou has been working in the Chinese insurance market for 20 years. She joins Validus from China Continent P&C Insurance where she served as assistant general manager. She previously held similar underwriting and claims management positions at LIG Insurance (China) and Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance Company.

Ed Noonan, chairman and chief executive officer of Validus said: “Ellie Zhou’s expertise and knowledge of the Chinese market will be invaluable as we continue to expand our operations in Asia. The Validus Group is committed to the Chinese market and look forward to working more closely with clients to provide bespoke solutions for their growing reinsurance needs.”

Zhou added: “I am thrilled to be joining The Validus Group in China. We are at an inflection point in the development of the local [re]insurance market and I look forward to working closely with our clients in the region as we grow our footprint.”