Rob Johnston has been appointed as the new head of marine and energy liability at Apollo Syndicate Management’s Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1969.

Johnston was formerly senior underwriter for marine and energy liability at MS Amlin and has also spent six years working for Navigators, a fixed premium marine-insurance company.

Johnston joins what is regarded as a strong marine team at the Apollo insurance group. The team is headed by Simon Mason and includes head of hull Ian Henstridge.

In its latest financial figures, Apollo Syndicate 1969 reported that it earned $35.6m in gross premium in its marine, aviation and transport sector in 2019.

Marine and energy rates improved by 5.9% in the year and marine hull also registered significant rate improvement, with yacht cover increasing by 95%.

The syndicate said it is looking to its specialty lines of business for future growth.

"Our marine and energy liability team has been working closely with clients and brokers on innovative and flexible global insurance solutions," David Ibeson, group chief executive at Apollo Syndicate Management, said.

"Rob’s experience in marine and energy liability will complement the existing team and contribute greatly to strengthening our offering in liability risks. We are very pleased to welcome Rob and we look forward to further growing our specialty lines teams in a number of core business areas, particularly given the improving market conditions."

David Ibeson, group chief executive at Apollo Syndicate Management, is aiming to expand the insurer's specialty lines. Photo: Apollo Insurance

TradeWinds earlier reported that Apollo's former head of marine and energy liability, Howard Burnell, left the company last year after he was charged with assault related to an altercation with his then girlfriend.

He was given a 12-month community order after being convicted of the offence at a magistrates' court in London.