Independent wholesale insurance broker Rare Earth Insurance Partners on Wednesday announced several new appointments and promotions within its leadership team.
Wang Wei has moved from his role as chief executive to become chairman of Rare Earth Insurance Partners, Asia Pacific. Wang first joined the firm in July 2019, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the region.
Candace Chan has been named chief executive, Rare Earth Insurance Partners, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Chan joined the firm in 2018 to oversee its shipping division and became managing director of the Hong Kong office in 2019. Previously, she has held senior roles at Jardine Ship Management Ltd. and Charles Taylor Adjusting, and served as regional director at a marine insurance broker.
Mark Gu, previously chairman, Shanghai, has been appointed chief executive, Rare Earth Insurance Partners, China. Gu joined Rare Earth in 2017, with more than 20 years in marine insurance. He started his career at Tokio Marine China, later worked at AIG and RSA China as head of marine, and moved into broking in 2013.
Meanwhile, Martin Ham, who has served as director, Rare Earth Partners, UK and Europe since 2022, has been appointed chief executive, UK and Europe. Ham will lead growth in marine reinsurance and specialty lines in the UK, Europe, and the US. He has more than 30 years of experience, including roles at Steamship P&I Club, HSBC, and Chubb Insurance.
Philip Bilney, founder and executive chairman of +8 Partners, said the changes reflect how Rare Earth’s focus has “sharpened and matured”.
“This is an investment in the business — a more defined senior leadership creates room for the next generation of talent to grow and share in the company’s success,” he added.
Rare Earth is headquartered in Hong Kong and operates offices in Shanghai, Taiwan, and the UK. It is a member of the +8 Partners global insurance network.
