The Nominating Committee of the International Union of Marine Insurance  has announced the nomination of Sean M. Dalton as the next President of IUMI.

Dalton is the sole nominee for the position and, subject to election by the IUMI Council on 23 September during the association’s Annual Conference in Rotterdam, will succeed Frédéric Denèfle, who will complete his four-year term as President.

Dalton currently serves as IUMI’s Vice-President. He previously chaired the association’s Cargo Committee and has also been a member of the IUMI Policy Forum. Beyond IUMI, he serves as Chair of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) and is a former Chair of the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) and also a member of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Commenting on his nomination, Dalton said:

“It is a tremendous honour to be nominated to serve as President of this 152-year-old association. I would like to thank Frédéric for his exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication over the past four years. Under his stewardship, IUMI has continued to strengthen its position as the global voice of marine insurance and I would be privileged to build on that success.

Marine insurance has always evolved to meet new challenges but today our industry is navigating an unprecedented combination of geopolitical uncertainty, rapid technological change and the transition to a more sustainable future. IUMI has a vital role to play in providing leadership, advocacy, education and a collaborative platform that enables marine insurers to continue supporting and facilitating global trade.

If elected, I will focus on continuing the excellent work of my predecessors while placing particular emphasis on the people who drive our industry forward. Attracting and retaining talent, promoting diversity and inclusion, investing in education and professional development, and helping our members harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence will be key priorities. Alongside this, I want sustainability to remain central to IUMI’s agenda, with continued focus on seafarer wellbeing and the protection and conservation of our oceans.”

Based in New York, Dalton is currently Executive Vice President and Head of Marine Underwriting, North America for Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. (“Munich Re US”).

He is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He earned a Master’s degree from State University of New York Maritime College and served as a Lieutenant for the United States Navy Reserve from 1988 – 1999. He holds the professional designations of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Marine Insurance Management (AMIM).

A professional mariner, he held a USCG Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage License from 1988 to 2003. He currently holds a USCG License as Master 100 Ton and is a certified Divemaster from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).