Towergate Underwriting has launched another London markets team within its Geo Specialty business.

International contractors, plant, and machinery has now gone live, led by Chris Thomas. It follows political violence, led by Marcus Meredith, which launched in August when Geo Speciality was set up, and liability, led by John Murphy and Glenn Marshall.

Thomas has joined Towergate from Contego Underwriting, and has widespread experience across international liability and construction.

Nick Grazier, Geo Specialty managing director, said: “We’re delighted to have Chris on board – his 11 years underwriting in company market, syndicate and latterly MGA have given him a great understanding of the challenges across the underwriting spectrum.

“We’re looking forward to expanding contractors, plant and machinery into North America, Europe, and Asia Pac, and to exploiting the synergies between Chris’s team and Marcus’s.

“These two markets are a great start for Geo Specialty, and we’ll be adding more in the coming months as we build the business.”

Thomas added: “I’m delighted to be part of this new venture with all the opportunities it brings for development and growth.

“This is just the beginning of building a broader construction team and proposition.”