“The experience and motivation to deliver innovative and reliable solutions to our clients is part of who we are
and forms part of our core values.”
Mark Watkins, Chief Executive

The Watkins group
The Watkins group is comprised of experienced underwriting teams in the areas of cargo, liability, energy, space, specie, transport & logistics, yacht & marine trade, war, terrorism and accident & health. Watkins is one of the largest marine insurance underwriters at Lloyd’s of London and is known in the industry for quality claims handling. A separate unit, Watkins Marine Services, focuses on transportation-related and energy risk management.

The Watkins group has a global network of service companies located throughout the UK, Ireland, the United States, as well as in Asia with offices in Hong Kong, Singapore and also in Dubai. The Watkins Syndicate (known as Watkins Underwriters at Lloyd’s) was founded in 1977, acquired by Munich Re Group in 1997, and is managed by Munich Re Underwriting Limited, a subsidiary of Munich Re Holding Company (UK). The appeal of the Watkins group of companies to Munich Re was, and continues to be, its leading position and quality reputation as underwriters at Lloyd’s. Munich Re’s capital backing has further enhanced Watkins’ positioning, financial strength and organisational growth. The stability of Watkins is evidenced by the fact that when it was founded, approximately 400 syndicates (underwriters at Lloyd’s) existed, and today there are only around 70. The perseverance to stay focused on niche segments and to continuously fine-tune its expertise places the Watkins group of companies in a category of its own as relates to quality underwriting and claims service.

Mark Watkins is the Chief Executive of Munich Re Holding Company (UK) Limited and was a co-founder of the Watkins Syndicate at Lloyd’s. Since the syndicate started in 1977, Mark has been involved in the inner workings of the business, serving first as deputy underwriter before being appointed Active Underwriter in 1988. As the operation has grown, focus has remained on creating a business culture which encourages excellence and innovation.

Leading by example
Watkins was an early adopter of the concept of service companies, which allowed it to place its people closer to clients. Greater communication on a local level strengthens Watkins’ ability to meet unique underwriting needs and deliver solutions that provide its clients with a competitive edge.