XL Catlin’s insurance operation in France has expanded its underwriting capabilities to cover political risk.

The expansion comes with the appointment of Eric Zandvliet as head of political risk, credit and bond for France and Benelux. He will be based in Paris.

He moves from London where, since 2014, he has held the role of senior underwriter in XL Catlin’s political risk, credit and bond team.

Zandvliet brings more than 20 years of experience in risk analysis and underwriting, with a focus on political risk. He first worked at XL Catlin from 2002 to 2007 and has since held senior roles with Starr Underwriting Agencies and GML Capital.

Commenting on the expansion, Bruno Laval, regional manager for France and Southern Europe, says: “Large French companies have historically been keen exporters and investors overseas. In 2016, French investments abroad equalled half of the country’s GDP while exports represented 30% of its GDP. In today’s world, the risk of interruption associated with a number of situations – such as expropriation, breach of contract or payment default – is ever present and demand for insurance solutions that respond to these threats is on the rise.”