West appoints new CEO for Hong Kong office

P&I Membership West is happy to announce the appointment of Cai Xuanlun (‘XL’) as the brand new CEO of its Hong Kong workplace to succeed Richard Macnamara, efficient December 2024.

XL (pictured) joined West’s Hong Kong workplace in 2013, having graduated from Shanghai Maritime College with a regulation diploma after which spending a number of years working towards regulation in mainland China. He then earned an MA in Legislation at College of Bristol earlier than becoming a member of the Membership, dealing with each P&I and FD&D claims earlier than transferring to the Underwriting Division in 2017.

He was appointed Regional Head of Underwriting in 2022 and leads the underwriting relationship for West’s intensive Chinese language membership. XL will proceed on this position along with changing into the CEO, supported by the Hong Kong underwriting workforce which has lately been additional strengthened with the appointment of Windy Zheng as Enterprise Growth Supervisor.

XL succeeds Richard Macnamara as CEO, who steps down from the position after twenty-eight years having made an impressive contribution to the expansion of West’s enterprise in Asia and the event of the Hong Kong workplace. Richard will proceed to behave as a Senior Advisor to XL and the Hong Kong workforce into 2025.

Quentin Drew will stay as Head of Claims for Hong Kong and work alongside XL within the administration of the Hong Kong workplace.

Tony Paulson, Head of Asia, West, commented: “We’re delighted XL is to change into our new CEO in Hong Kong. West is a number one Membership in China and XL has been on the forefront of serving to to construct and keep these important relationships with our Chinese language members, companions and brokers. This appointment is a recognition of that truth in addition to a agency dedication to the way forward for our Hong Kong workplace.

“I’d additionally wish to pay tribute to the distinctive position Richard has performed as CEO in Hong Kong for a few years. He has offered excellent management and assist and I’m more than happy that he’ll proceed to offer mentoring for XL and others as we transfer into this new period.”

XL Cai, commented: “I’m very pleased to take up this new alternative to steer the workforce in Hong Kong and proceed to ship the service and assist our Members anticipate of us on this area. Asia is an enormously necessary space for West and China is a key a part of that. It lately grew to become the world’s main shipowning nation by tonnage and West is properly positioned to assist that increasing market by offering all kinds of marine insurance coverage merchandise all backed by excellent service from our Hong Kong workplace.

“It has been a pleasure to work with and be taught from Richard and I sit up for taking the workplace ahead.”