Markel Insurance, the insurance business of Markel Group, has announced the appointment of Sebastian Rice as Head of Global Development – Trade Credit.
In his new role, Rice will report to Phil Amlot, global head of international trade credit, with whom he will work closely to drive innovative, solution-led underwriting and develop customized products to respond to changing market conditions and client needs across Markel’s global centers.
His responsibilities include supporting clients as they navigate an increasingly complex trading environment driven by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and shifting credit risks.
He will also coordinate Markel’s global trade credit underwriter team across its New York, Singapore, Dubai and London offices to align with Markel’s key partnerships. He will focus on developing the business and driving profitable growth in the UK and Europe, with a focus on delivering greater capacity, tailored solutions and enhanced services to brokers and clients.
Rice has more than 20 years of experience in commercial and risk roles in the trade credit industry.
He joined Markel in January 2024, most recently as Head of European Business Development – Trade Credit. In this role, he is responsible for leading the development of new business and expanding Markel’s footprint in the UK and continental Europe.
During his tenure at Markel, Rice played a key role in developing new solutions, including Markel’s non-cancellable limit product, which enables customers to operate with greater certainty in the event of non-payment.
Prior to joining Markel, he spent ten years at QBE Europe, most recently as Head of Commercial Underwriting. Earlier in his career, he worked at Allianz Trade and Atradius.
Amlot commented: “Markel International’s success and continued growth is driven by colleagues like Seb who are committed to working with our clients to deliver tailor-made solutions. He takes the time to understand his clients’ needs and respond with precision, rather than providing a one-size-fits-all approach.
“With demand for trade credit insurance reaching record levels and underwriting conditions becoming increasingly complex, Seb’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we help clients manage increasing risks and build resilience. He has already strengthened our position in the London and European markets and I am confident he will bring the same discipline and commercial insight to this global role.”
Rice added: “I am proud of the profitable growth we have achieved in the London market and continental Europe since joining Markel. We are committed to being a consistent, reliable partner to brokers and clients during a period of changing supply chains and changing economic conditions.
“This progress demonstrates the dedication and expertise of our underwriters. I look forward to leading the next phase of our global growth and continuing to deliver ambitious solutions that support our clients.”
