American P&I Club manager hires Asian region specialist

Adding extra underwriting expertise to its New York team and looking to enhance its growing presence in Asia, the American P&I Club’s manager has recruited a well-known Asian region specialist. Chris Hall joins Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., New York, on September 1. He will be vice president – underwriting, reporting to Stuart Todd as head of underwriting in this capacity.

Mr. Hall has worked in Singapore and Hong Kong with the Skuld Club since 1999 when he joined its Hong Kong office. Latterly, in Hong Kong, he was vice president, marketing, and senior lawyer.

Joe Hughes, chief executive of SCB, said in New York: “Chris not only brings significant club experience with him, but in addition will add to our marketing and general service capabilities in the Asian region in particular.

“His insight into the market, and his established relationships and networking capabilities, will be of great value to the American Club, SCB and its related business initiatives.”

Mr. Hall has variously been involved in P&I and FD&D claims handling, underwriting, loss prevention, marketing and line management. He opened and ran Skuld’s Singapore representative office between 2006 and 2009 before returning to Hong Kong.

“Asian shipowners now account for about one-third of our total membership” Hughes added, “and we look forward to further development in this important sector over the months and years ahead. The club’s next board meeting will be held in Beijing on September 22 and, as usual, we will be inviting members of the local shipping community to meet the directors and managers.” – ends –

A native of Michigan, Mr. Hall double-majored in Asian studies and political science at the University of Michigan. He gained his Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from Tulane University Law School, and qualified as a lawyer in New York, engaging in private practice for several years prior to 1999.

August 31, 2011