Liberty launches new Real Estate product with 2 new senior Underwriters

Authored by Liberty Specialty Markets

Liberty Specialty Markets, part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has appointed two new senior underwriters to support the launch of a Real Estate insurance product.

Steve Lawrence and Andrew Whittaker report to Head of Property, Dermot Walsh.  The two senior underwriters will write a new Retail Estate product within LSM’s property team, focusing on larger clients including property investors, asset managers, managing agents and pensions funds. They join with immediate effect and are based in London. The product targets offices, retail premises including shopping centres, hospitality and leisure facilities and warehouses among others.

Dermot Walsh said: “The real estate market has been through a challenging period with capacity in short supply and a shortage of really experienced and talented underwriters. There are real opportunities for the right team with the right product to service this market.”

“Steve and Andrew know this sector exceptionally well and are highly respected figures in the market. By bringing them on board, we can leverage the strengths of our property team while developing a new underwriting specialism.

“Our objective is to become a leader in mid-market property, growing a book primarily in the UK but with some European business that will make Liberty a very credible alternative to existing players.”

Before joining LSM both spent 22 years at managing general agent European Property Underwriting Limited (EPUL). Andrew Whittaker began his insurance career in 1985 and brings wide industry experience from a range of insurers. He joined EPUL in 2013, becoming the MGA’s managing director in 2016. Steve Lawrence began his insurance career in 1991 and has underwritten for a number of insurers, most recently he was business development director at EPUL.