The West of England P&I Club has appointed Alexis Wildman as head of product, replacing Richard Turner, who will retire later this year following a structured handover period.
In her new role, Wildman will report to chief underwriting officer (CUO) Bart Mertens as the club continues to develop its products to suit the changing needs of its members and the wider shipping industry.
Turner played a central role in developing West’s product capabilities and diversification strategy and will continue to support the transition prior to his retirement.
Wildman will be responsible for overseeing West’s diverse product portfolio and working closely with the club’s Managing General Agent (MGA) partners, including Nordic Marine Insurance.
To recap, in April 2025, Nordic Marine Insurance was fully acquired by the club and offers fixed premium coverage such as delay, primary revenue loss, hull loss and hire loss, complementing West’s core P&I and defense products.
Wildman has more than two decades of experience in marine insurance, with a strong background in underwriting, portfolio management and product leadership in international markets.
Most recently she was at Ki Insurance and previously held senior roles at RSA and Codan, including leadership responsibility for the maritime business in the Nordic region, giving her extensive experience working within a specialist marine insurance portfolio.
Mertens commented on the appointment: “Alexis has extensive experience in product oversight and portfolio development, and has a clear understanding of how specialist insurance solutions can support shipowners operating in an increasingly complex and changing risk environment. Her appointment enhances our ability to continue to develop complementary products that add value to members, while maintaining the financial strength and integrity of the club’s core business.”
Turner added: “It is a privilege to lead West’s product development during a period of significant change in the market and the club. Alexis is ideally suited to drive this forward and I am confident the team and product portfolio will continue to grow and develop under her leadership.”
Wildman concluded: “West has a clear and well-established approach to diversification, while maintaining strong underwriting discipline and long-term capital strength. I am delighted to join the club at this exciting time and look forward to working with Bart, the wider underwriting team and our MGA partners to continue to develop products that support the operations of our members and the wider shipping community.”