XL Insurance has named the three former QBE members that have joined its global political risk and trade credit (PRTC) team in London.

The firm’s new political risk and trade credit unit was announced in September, when Richard Maxwell, XL’s chief underwriting officer and global head for PRTC, confirmed the move.

The new team is headed by Joe Blenkinsopp who will report to Richard Maxwell in New York.

Maxwell says: “With the current unstable social and economic environment, political unrest is a significant global risk management concern. At XL, we have set our sights on becoming a leading provider of PRTC services worldwide. By increasing our global footprint with the arrival of these highly respected individuals, we will be able to take advantage of their knowledge and expertise and continue to build upon our ambition.”

Blenkinsopp will take the role of deputy global head. He has over 25 years of experience in PRTC, having held various senior underwriting, broking and management roles, including positions at QBE, Coface, Exporters Insurance Company, Marsh and Willis.

Juliette Barre has been appointed as senior underwriter. Barre has over eight years of experience in PRTC and international banking. She spent six years as an emerging market commodity trade finance banker in France with Société Générale and before that was with Standard Bank in London before joining QBE.

Ian Nunn joins the team as assistant underwriter. He was previously at insurance firm QBE as a PRTC underwriting assistant.

Meanwhile, Alice Blake has joined XL as an underwriter. She has over five years of experience in PRTC, having spent two and half years at Lloyd’s with Marketform’s syndicate. Before that, she was with BAE Systems in its export finance department.