JLT Specialty USA, part of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc, has added a marine specialty practice.

The new practice is part of JLT Specialty USA’s strategy of expanding its U.S. capabilities and platform around key industry and product specialties, according to a statement.

“We’re very excited to announce the formation of this U.S. marine specialty practice and are confident that our current and future clients will benefit greatly from their decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of the space,” Peter Mortlock, executive vice president of JLT Specialty USA, said in prepared remarks.

Individuals appointed to the new marine specialty practice team include:

• John G. Betz, senior vice president, was the area president for Arthur J. Gallagher and led the Blue and Brown Water Marine Practice. He was the founding partner of B&P International and served as president from 1987-2004. Betz has spent 30-plus years as a marine insurance brokerage professional, including extensive experience in claims and claims handling.
• Christopher J. Maro, vice president, previously served as partner for the Howden Marine Group, where he was responsible for managing all New York operations and new business development. He also spent time at Arthur J. Gallagher as a senior vice president working within the Marine Group with specific concentration in marine liabilities, hull & machinery, and financial risks.
• Kenneth M. Fichtelman, assistant vice president, most recently served as associate partner for the Howden Marine Group. Prior to that he was a marine insurance broker with a focus on hull & machinery and protection & indemnity coverages.

Source: JLT Specialty USA