Bermuda-based reinsurer Validus Holdings Ltd has appointed a representative in China.

Ellie Zhou will take the role of underwriting manager for Greater China as the company seeks to grow its business in the region.

Validus currently writes China business via its London and Singapore offices.

The company also announced yesterday that its wholly-owned subsidiary Talbot Underwriting Ltd is joining Lloyd’s Insurance Company China Ltd, the Lloyd’s China platform in Shanghai, where it will establish an underwriting division focused on reinsurance.

Ms Zhou has 20 years’ experience in the Chinese insurance market and joins Validus from China Continent P&C Insurance Co Ltd, where she served as assistant general manager.

She previously held similar underwriting and claims management positions at LIG Insurance (China) Co, Ltd and Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance Company.

Ed Noonan, chairman and chief executive officer of Validus, said: “Ellie Zhou’s expertise and knowledge of the Chinese market will be invaluable as we continue to expand our operations in Asia. The Validus Group is committed to the Chinese market and look forward to working more closely with clients to provide bespoke solutions for their growing reinsurance needs.”