CGU Marine has appointed two senior marine underwriters – both with Zurich backgrounds – to its Melbourne team.

Ross Lawrenson and Lisa Clarke started work at CGU Marine in January.

Mr Lawrenson is the former Head of Marine at Zurich (Associated Marine) with more than 24 years’ experience in marine insurance. His Melbourne-based position as Zurich National Product Manager was axed last year when Zurich laid off 27 staff.

Ms Clarke has held positions including Senior Underwriter Marine at Zurich and Line of Business Head – Marine at Zurich Insurance Malaysia.

Zurich absorbed the former Associated Marine position into its mainstream business and relocated its Melbourne base to Zurich’s Xpress Underwriting Centre in Sydney.

CGU Marine says it now has 17 marine insurance specialists in four states and a team of five marine claims managers.