James McDonald

James graduated with a degree in Biochemical Engineering from UCL, then commenced his career in insurance with Sedgwick Offshore Resources as a broker in 1985. Following 13 years broking, spent mostly in New York, James saw the light and switched to underwriting.

There were several false starts in the turbulent market of the late 90’s before James was a founding partner in the Talbot syndicate in Lloyd’s in late 2001. James remained there for 19 successful years, becoming Head of Marine.

In 2020 during Covid lockdown James joined Sompo as Head of Energy, where he continues to thrive.

In his spare time, James has a broadcasting slot on WIOX radio in New York called Obscurities from Across the Pond where he plays a selection of deep alternative tracks.