Descartes Underwriting and West of England P&I have announced senior leadership appointments as part of efforts to support growth, market expansion, and product development across Europe.
Descartes Underwriting strengthens Central European presence
Descartes Underwriting has broadened the remit of commercial director Juan Maria Marqués Domenech, extending his responsibilities to include Central Europe alongside Iberia.
The parametric reinsurance specialist has also appointed Felix Dalheimer as business developer for Germany and Austria. Dalheimer joins from Chubb, where he served as an underwriter for German risks. He previously held technical catastrophe analysis roles at R+V Re in Wiesbaden, developing expertise in natural catastrophe risk and its financial impacts.
The appointments support Descartes Underwriting’s strategy to accelerate growth and strengthen relationships with clients and brokers in Germany and Austria. Dalheimer will report to Marqués Domenech, who is part of the EMEA leadership team led by Blanca Berruguete, head of EMEA distribution and client management.
The expansion follows a milestone for the company’s climate-focused offerings. In October, Descartes Underwriting announced it had joined the International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) as a supporting member.
West of England P&I appoints head of products
West of England P&I has named Alexis Wildman as head of products, reporting to chief underwriting officer Bart Mertens. The appointment forms part of the Club’s strategy to evolve its product offering in line with changing maritime industry requirements.
Wildman succeeds Richard Turner, who will retire later this year following a structured handover. Turner has played a key role in building West of England P&I’s product capabilities and diversification strategy.
In her new role, Wildman will oversee the Club’s diversified product portfolio and work closely with managing general agent partners, including Nordic Marine Insurance, which was fully acquired by the Club in April 2025. The business provides fixed-premium covers such as delay, primary loss of earnings, hull, and loss of hire.
Wildman brings more than 20 years of experience in marine insurance, spanning underwriting, portfolio management, and product leadership across international markets. She joins from Ki Insurance and has previously held senior roles at RSA and Codan, including leadership responsibility for marine operations in the Nordic region.
The appointment follows Mertens’ promotion to chief underwriting officer in early 2025, succeeding Simon Parrott.
