West underlines importance of Asia with key senior appointment 

West P&I today announces the appointment of Tony Paulson as Head of Asia and his relocation to Singapore in mid-summer 2023. This new role reflects both the continued growth of Asia as a shipping centre and the region’s importance to West.

Tony will provide strategic support to the Singapore and Hong Kong offices and help ensure that West continues meeting its Members’ expectations for innovative products and high-quality service in this important region for the Club.

This appointment follows the recent promotions of David Griffiths and Xuanlun (XL) Cai as Regional Heads of Underwriting in Singapore and Hong Kong respectively.

Asia accounts for a significant proportion of West’s membership, and its importance to the Club has long been recognised. West was the first International Group (IG) Club to establish an office in Asia in 1982. That office, still the largest of its kind in the region, was bolstered by the opening of West’s Singapore office in 2017, which has since expanded to 10 staff.

With leading Members across China, Vietnam, Singapore and Southeast Asia, West is well positioned through its strong regional office network to take advantage of the continued growth of ship owning and operation in the region.

Tony has been with West for more than 30 years and undertaken several roles across the organisation. He was appointed a Director in 2005 and is now the Club’s Corporate Director, a role he will continue with alongside his new position as Head of Asia. Tony has oversight of all sanctions matters and provides risk management advice to Members and brokers across a broad range of legal, operational and liability issues at West. He is also Chair of the IG’s Pollution Committee.

Tom Bowsher, Group CEO, commented: “We are delighted to have made this appointment; relocating a senior Director with such a breadth of experience across the Club underlines just how important Asia is to West. Tony knows the region well, having previously lived in Hong Kong and travelled extensively throughout since then, so I’m confident that he will have an immediate impact.”

Tony Paulson said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to return to Asia and work alongside my colleagues in both Singapore and Hong Kong in supporting our Members. I look forward to helping grow West’s presence throughout Asia, which is a key market for the Club.”