Commodity and agribusiness trade credit specialist Groupama Assurance-Credit & Caution (GAC) has opened a new special risk division, which will be led by new hire, Valerie Talbot. Her remit will include providing single risk, excess of loss and top-up solutions.

Based in Paris, Talbot has more than 20 years’ experience in single risk, structured credit and political risk insurance. Starting her career with Unistrat Coface in Paris before moving to New York, she then went on to Credendo (Garant) where she spearheaded the single risk activity in Geneva. Her most recent role was head of commercial underwriting in London for Euler Hermes’ transactional cover unit.

Speaking to GTR about her appointment, Talbot says: “GAC writes whole-turnover trade credit business in all sectors but is particularly focused on commodity and agribusiness. We’ve seen more and more demand to cover the portfolio of buyers and single transactions as well, particularly for commodity traders.”