Liberty Mutual Insurance Group's reinsurance arm, LM Re, has announced the appointment of Mark De La Mare as the new head of its Australia and New Zealand operations, effective October. 

De La Mare will report directly to James Green, Head of Property – London, and John McCabe, Chief Operating Officer – Asia Pacific. This strategic appointment is poised to bolster LM Re's footprint and operations in the Australasian market, reinforcing its commitment to growth and excellence in the region.

Mark De La Mare brings over 15 years of industry experience to his new role, where he will lead LM Re’s underwriting team based in Sydney. His appointment marks a significant shift from the previous management by ARUS MGA, which handled LM Re’s Australasia portfolio through Lloyd’s. 

De La Mare’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in executing LM Re’s strategy for the region, focusing on expanding Liberty’s existing business and strengthening its reinsurance presence.

Before joining LM Re, De La Mare served as the Head of Property in Australia for Aon’s reinsurance solutions. His extensive experience in the reinsurance sector includes significant work with catastrophe risk modeling and strategic reinsurance placements. This expertise is seen as a valuable asset for LM Re as it aims to enhance its operations and market presence in Australia and New Zealand.

James Green, Head of Property – London, expressed his enthusiasm for De La Mare’s appointment: “We are very pleased indeed to welcome Mark to LM Re to develop and strengthen the local reinsurance presence we have built in the region. Mark’s deep industry knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we strengthen our operations in Australia and New Zealand.”

The appointment of De La Mare underscores LM Re’s commitment to reinforcing its presence in the Australia-New Zealand region. With his proven track record and strategic vision, De La Mare is expected to drive the company’s growth in the reinsurance sector. His role will involve not only leading the underwriting team but also focusing on innovative approaches to risk management and client solutions.

John McCabe, Chief Operating Officer – Asia Pacific, highlighted the strategic importance of De La Mare’s role: “Mark’s leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the reinsurance market in Australia and New Zealand. His expertise in catastrophe risk modeling and strategic placements will significantly enhance our ability to serve our clients and expand our market share.”

De La Mare’s appointment comes at a time when LM Re is looking to build on its existing successes and expand its market reach. The company has been steadily increasing its footprint in the Australasian market, and De La Mare’s leadership is expected to further accelerate this growth. His experience with Aon’s reinsurance solutions has equipped him with the skills and insights necessary to lead LM Re’s strategic initiatives and drive its business objectives.

One of the key areas of focus for De La Mare will be the continued development of LM Re’s underwriting capabilities. His expertise in property reinsurance and catastrophe risk modeling will be instrumental in enhancing the company’s risk management strategies and delivering tailored solutions to clients. This approach aligns with LM Re’s commitment to providing high-quality reinsurance products and services that meet the evolving needs of the market.

In addition to strengthening LM Re’s underwriting capabilities, De La Mare’s role will also involve building and maintaining strong client relationships. His extensive network and industry connections will be valuable assets in fostering partnerships and driving business growth. By leveraging his experience and insights, De La Mare aims to enhance LM Re’s client engagement and deliver superior value to its customers.

De La Mare’s appointment is also expected to bring a renewed focus on innovation and technology in the reinsurance sector. His background in catastrophe risk modeling and strategic placements will enable LM Re to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the complex challenges faced by clients. This focus on innovation will be a key driver of the company’s growth and success in the Australasian market.

LM Re’s strategic appointment of De La Mare reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and growth. With his leadership, the company is well-positioned to enhance its market footprint and drive significant growth in the reinsurance sector. De La Mare’s appointment is a testament to LM Re’s dedication to attracting top talent and leveraging industry expertise to achieve its business objectives.