Johann von Rantzau has been selected as this year’s Robin Travis Scholar.
Johann von Rantzau has been selected as this year’s Robin Travis Scholar following final interviews of candidates in Hamburg. The scholarship provides a three-month paid internship with transport liability specialist Thomas Miller for executives employed in the shipping, transport or marine insurance sectors in Germany.
From 30th September 2013, Johann will be attached to Thomas Miller’s London head office where the businesses managed include the UK P&I Club, the TT Club and ITIC. He will enjoy a tailored programme of placements reflecting his particular business interests.
Johann works in the placing department of Doehle Assekuranzkontor, a marine insurance brokerage in Hamburg. He assists with renewal processes, deals with hull and machinery (H&M), equipment, loss of hire and war risk placings.
He told us: “The legal environment is becoming more challenging and I see P&I becoming an increasingly relevant part of the business for shipowning companies.
“Increasing my knowledge of all aspects of P&I insurance will be indispensable for my future in the business of international shipping. The Robin Travis Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to further this interest and learn more.”
Johann feels the Robin Travis Scholarship will present a perfect chance to acquire and extend a strong network of acquaintances in the maritime services sector.
Hugo Wynn-Williams, Chairman of Thomas Miller, said: “We look forward to welcoming Johann. He starts his programme with our Thomas Miller Insight into Transport Law and Insurance Course on 1st October. We believe the scholarship represents a unique opportunity for young German transport professionals to work in the London market. Many of the 14 previous scholars have gone on to achieve senior positions in the German transport industry.”
Thomas Miller established the Robin Travis Scholarship programme in 1992 in memory of Robin Travis, a former Director of Thomas Miller who died suddenly in 1991. He had a long association with the German members of the transport clubs managed by Thomas Miller and with correspondents and brokers.
The Robin Travis scholarship provides a three-month internship for an executive working in Germany, seeking career progression and greater understanding of the shipping, transport or insurance sector. The scholar gains both practical and theoretical knowledge from time in the Thomas Miller office and with businesses related to his regular work. A bursary of EUR 7, 000 is provided.
Thomas Miller
The Thomas Miller Group manages a number of world-leading mutual insurance organisations or “clubs, ” providing insurance for shipping, transport and professional indemnity risks; and captive insurance companies in the Isle of Man and Bermuda. Thomas Miller provides risk management consultancy services and, through its regulated specialist subsidiaries, delivers a full investment management service to mutual clubs, captives and other clients. The firm incorporated in 1999 and is owned and controlled by its 550 employees worldwide.
UK P&I Club
The United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association (Bermuda) Limited is generally known as the UK P&I Club. As a mutual association, the UK Club has no outside shareholders and no financial links with other organisations. Since its establishment in 1869, the Club has existed solely for the benefit of its members. Its structure as a mutual insurance association enables it to respond to the changing needs of its assureds and allows it to provide superior service, attention and coverage.
The UK P&I Club is directed by the members. Overall control lies with the directors, elected by the members from amongst themselves. The directors normally meet four times a year to formulate policy on calls, the scope of cover, finance, underwriting and claims matters, reinsurance and issues affecting the P&I world. They resolve specific claims which may not fall clearly within the cover.
Thomas Miller, the Club’s managers, is organised to respond promptly to requests for assistance and to provide informed advice and help with members’ claims. Individual support goes far beyond that normally provided by a commercial insurer.
The UK Club’s size and the scale of the managers’ operations has enabled the latter to develop specialist skills and expertise seldom seen in marine P&I.
In 350 ports around the world, on-the-spot help and local expertise is always available to members and the masters of their ships from the Club’s 460 correspondents and claims handling services and advice from the network of offices and branches in London, Piraeus, New Jersey, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai.
