Ramon International, the insurance broker controlled by Zim, is looking to develop its business following the retirement of long-standing managing director Danny Raveh.
Zim has taken on Nick Andrews, former senior hull and machinery underwriter at Generali, to replace Raveh and given him the remit to look for opportunities to grow Ramon’s business.
Raveh, 74, has been with Ramon since 1980. He made his name in expanding the firm from being an in-house broker for Zim’s insurance needs to developing a significant third-party business.
New opportunities
Ramon’s clients included some of the biggest names in Israeli shipping such as the Ofer Group and Ray Shipping, as well as non-Israeli companies such as Novoship.
However, Raveh’s departure and the break up of long-standing clients has seen the company seek fresh growth opportunities.
“Two years ago, I decided I had to be replaced by someone younger with new energy who could find new opportunities,” Raveh said.
“Now we want to expand and change focus. Nick has a good platform to start from.”
Andrews said he is looking to recruit brokers who could bring business into the firm.
The idea is to look at new opportunities and bring in new teams
Nick Andrews
“The idea is to look at new opportunities and bring in new teams," he said. "I think now is a good opportunity for smaller brokers to service clients who want expertise.”
Andrews said Ramon is looking to grow the firm’s global network through Zim and other broking firms. He added that Zim’s connections open the door for developing the business into other areas such as cyber and directors-and-officers' insurance cover.
However, Raveh said the firm had long moved on from the time it was simply considered a service provider for the Zim group.
Andrews said Ramon is even allowed to provide services to Zim’s direct competitors.
“Zim don’t mind if we handle competitors' business as long as we provide them with a good service," Andrews said. "Zim are committed to our plans and have agreed to support us.”
