XL Group’s Ocean Marine Unit Expands Brown Water Business

According to Richard DeSimone, President of XL Group’s North American Marine business, “We are very pleased to have Chris join our team as we look to expand our Brown Water Hull, P&I and Primary Marine Liability capabilities.  XL has long been a market leader in Excess Marine Liabilities, and we believe that extending our reach into these lines of business will help us address more of our clients’ coverage needs.”

“Over the last year, we’ve expanded our underwriting team to trading hubs in Cleveland, Baltimore, Richmond and Atlanta along with existing operations in New York putting us in closer proximity to our clients. Part of that expansion is developing additional coverages that will allow us to address even more of our clients’ risk management needs,” explained Mr. DeSimone.  

Cooke previously worked at Travelers, where he was the National Hull and Liabilities Practice Leader.  Among his primary responsibilities were the development of policy forms, underwriting manuals, procedures, and initiatives to drive growth in Hull, P&I, Marine Liabilities, Marine Professional Liability and Excess Liabilities. He started his career with MOAC/Continental where he worked in both field and Home Office positions in the Hull & Liabilities and Excess departments. He also ran the Marine Department in Hong Kong for two years working with MOAC/Continental-owned Lombard General Insurance. A graduate of SUNY Maritime College, where he earned a USCG Third Mates License, Mr. Cooke is also a Lieutenant with the NY Fire Department.