Markel Corporation has hired Howard Lee as senior underwriter in its trade credit and political risk business in the US.

He will be responsible for business development, strategic planning, expanding broker relationships and servicing an expanding client portfolio.

Based in New York, Lee joins underwriting manager, Philip Amlot and associate underwriter, Christen Mizell.

“Since the team was established in July 2014, it has successfully grown the business focusing on a broad range of specialist products,” reads a statement issued by the firm. Policies can now be written on an admitted basis in 40 states.

Lee joins from Chubb’s political and trade credit division, where he worked as a senior underwriter since 2010. He previously spent eight years as a divisional risk manager at FCIA.

Amlot comments on the appointment: “With Howard’s 14 years of trade credit experience he has a strong network of contacts in the US broking community, which will further support the development of our business. He knows the market well and is going to add valuable underwriting, marketing and business management skills to our New York team.”