Getting to know Arjan Van De Wall
Markel International, Americas
What do you love most about your job?
Working with my colleagues! There is no doubt about that. We have an amazing group of people that work very well together. The Trade Credit, Political Risk and Surety (TCPRS) team at Markel was created from scratch in 2010 and most of the original team members are still around. I think that says it all.
What led you to this career?
I started as a trainee at a large shipping company in The Netherlands called: P&O Nedlloyd. After the traineeship, they offered me a junior position in Tianjin, China, which I politely declined since I just met my then girlfriend (now wife) who wasn’t really too eager to join me on an adventure to China.
I left the shipping industry and landed a job in credit management, which, in turn, led me to a role with Atradius - one of the largest global trade credit insurers. After three years in Holland, they asked me to join their US subsidiary for a few years, since this product, and the US trade credit insurance market, was at its infancy. Now 26 years later, my family and I still enjoy living in the US where I have the pleasure to develop the credit insurance market for Markel.
If you had to sum up your team in one word, what would it be?
Unique
How would you describe your job to a bunch of five-year-olds?
Even after explaining my job to my family members for over 26 years, they just say that I make sure that companies get paid for the services or products they sell. I think that is spot on!
Do you have a hobby?
Yes, I love boating; from early days sailing to now “lazy motorised” yachting. It is also the perfect activity for social distancing!
What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
To be honest, I don’t have one but many. I have had the pleasure of living in six countries and travelled often for both business and pleasure. Every time I see a new and interesting place, I think it is the best one. If I have to pick one that truly wowed me it would be Sydney!
What is unique/special about your product line or team?
It is the team spirit and willingness to help each other out across the globe that makes Markel’s TCPRS team so special. Most of my colleagues have been part of this team from the very beginning, which makes us pretty dependable underwriters.
How do you help give clients the confidence and freedom to perform at their best?
To put it simply, we “enable” trade. Markel’s TCPRS solutions offer non-cancellable credit and country limits, enabling companies to trade safely knowing that they are protected in an ever-changing risk environment.
Arjan Van de Wall
Head of Trade Credit & Political Risk – Americas
Our trade credit, political risk and surety team offers deep knowledge of commercial counterparty and country risks across a wide variety of trade sectors and markets. We take pride in building relationships with the businesses we insure, so you can talk to your underwriter at any time, knowing they have the authority to make final decisions and give expert advice. Click here to find out more.
ENDS
About Markel International:
Markel International is a division of Markel Corporation, a US-based holding company trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MKL). Markel International writes insurance and reinsurance business through six divisions and through offices across the UK, Europe, Canada, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Markel International’s insuring entities include Syndicate 3000, Markel International Insurance Company Limited, Markel Insurance SE., and Markel Resseguradora do Brasil S.A.
Its UK national markets business also provides legal and professional fees insurance cover as well as legal and tax consultancy services.