Liberty in Asia Pacific, the regional arm of Liberty Mutual Insurance, which provides commercial, specialty and reinsurance solutions in Asia Pacific, has announced the appointment of Marcus Thomas as Chief Underwriting Officer, Asia Pacific, effective July 1, 2026, as the company prepares for a leadership transition following the upcoming retirement of Michael Abdallah.
Liberty in Asia Pacific has confirmed that Abdallah, currently Chairman of Australia and Chief Underwriting Officer for Asia Pacific, will retire on September 30, 2026 after 27 years with the organization.
Abdullah joined Liberty in June 1999 as one of three founders of Liberty International Underwriters (LIU), establishing its commercial and professional business in Sydney.
The company said he played a central role in shaping the development of the business and contributed to its development into a wider regional and global specialist insurance platform.
Liberty Asia Pacific said the business has grown under his leadership, serving more than 20,000 businesses and government organizations in the region.
The company credited Abdullah with leading the company to sustained profitability while helping to build a reputation for consistency, technical expertise and long-term relationships with clients and brokers.
Asia Pacific’s Liberty also highlighted his integrated team structure and disciplined underwriting approach, which he said has supported the organization through multiple market cycles and helped maintain stability for clients, brokers and cedants in Asia Pacific.
