Specialty MGA, MNK Group’s managing general agent, has appointed Marcus Smithson as head of financial lines and networks.
The appointment is in line with MGA’s overall strategy as it continues to expand its international expertise while focusing on building a differentiated product portfolio through its flexible MGA model and international distribution network.
In his new role, Smithson will be based in London and will lead the existing underwriting team to accelerate the growth of its global financial business and network portfolio.
In addition, he will write a diversified book that will provide financial and commercial clients with innovative solutions in Directors and Officers (D&O), Financial Institutions Professional Indemnity (FI PI) and Bankers’ Blanket Bonds (BBB).
Smithson has more than thirty years of experience in finance. Most recently, he held senior roles within Marsh’s financial institutions team.
He spent nearly ten years at Generali in São Paulo, during which time he built and led the financial business and network portfolio in Latin America. In the past, Smithson held a range of underwriting and portfolio management roles at QBE in London.
Commenting on the appointment, Manoj Kumar, Chairman of MNK Group, said: “We are delighted to announce the arrival of Marcus. He brings deep underwriting leadership in the financial and cyber sectors, with extensive experience in building international portfolios in complex risk environments.
“His experience in the London market and Latin America will help us expand our global financial institutions and network offerings.
“This appointment strengthens our ability to develop a diversified, technology underwriting portfolio in the D&O, professional indemnity, crime and cyber liability areas and reflects our continued investment in specialist underwriting capabilities.”
Smithson added: “I am delighted to join Specialty MGA. The business provides the underwriting flexibility and distribution reach to build a truly differentiated financial product line and network proposition.
“My focus will be on further developing the international portfolio across D&O, FI PI and cyber, with disciplined risk selection and clear underwriting across traditional liability and technology-driven exposures.
“Building on our existing solid foundation, we will continue to expand into key growth regions, including Latin America, while strengthening our position in core markets.”
