MNK International, an independent Lloyd’s broker providing specialist insurance and risk solutions to international clients, has appointed William Wakeham as managing director of international energy and established a dedicated energy division.
The brokerage said the move is part of its plan to expand its energy brokerage capabilities in emerging and specialty markets.
Wakeham joins the company with more than three decades of experience in the insurance industry, supporting clients in global markets and having established expertise in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
His career includes work on large-scale conventional energy and oil and gas projects, as well as increasing involvement with investors and project developers in renewable energy developments, particularly in Southern Africa.
Wakeham’s new responsibilities will include building and leading MNK International’s energy brokerage business, covering renewable energy, battery storage, data centres, grid infrastructure, conventional energy and energy security. MNK International added that the unit will target selected markets in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern and Southern Europe, the Baltics, Asia, Central and South America, supporting insureds, local brokers and cedants in these regions.
He will also be responsible for expanding the specialty energy team and advancing an engineering-focused approach to risk management. The broker explained that engaging with clients earlier in the project lifecycle will enable the team to support improved risk allocation, stronger insurance submissions and the development of more insurable, bankable and resilient projects.
Naman Kumar, CEO of MNK International, commented: “William brings deep energy market experience, strong international relationships and a clear vision to build a differentiated brokerage business. His expertise in traditional and renewable energy will be invaluable as we expand our capabilities in emerging and specialty markets. His appointment reflects our commitment to combining an entrepreneurial mindset with deep technical expertise to deliver long-term value to our clients and partners.”
Wakeham added: “It’s clear that MNK International actively encourages entrepreneurial spirit and thinking, which creates a strong platform for building a unique international energy proposition. I look forward to growing this new division and developing a technically excellent, commercially savvy and engineering-led approach to engaging with clients at an early stage. By delivering tailor-made innovative solutions to clients around the world, we hope to help make projects more insurable, reliable and resilient.”
