Meet the Geo Commercial Marine experts

To mark the celebration of women in the maritime industry at SeaWork 2025, we wanted to take the opportunity to profile the knowledge and experiences of some of our fantastic colleagues.

Hear more below from some of the Geo Marine team and remember – they are here to support you, so why not get in touch with the team today to discuss how they can provide quality insurance cover for your marine clients? Contact the team on sales@geounderwriting.com.

Isabelle Jackson-Langlois, Claims Manager

How did you get into maritime insurance – please tell us a bit about your career so far?

My career has taken a few turns before arriving in the insurance world. I came to this industry via boats, as I was a dinghy sailor long before becoming a claims handler. I am now the proud co-owner of a beautiful boat who lets us see the world from a unique angle.

What changes have you seen in the industry during your career?

The yacht insurance world has certainly adapted over the last ten years, with many well-known brands becoming part of larger organisations. At Navigators & General we are proud to bring with us over 100 years of experience into the Geo Underwriting business.

If you had a crystal ball, what do you anticipate happening in the industry over the next 12-18 months?

I think we have seen so many changes lately that the industry should take time to stabilise itself. In the claims world, I would like to see more digital solutions being deployed to help our customers with their claim journey.

What do you love most about your job?

The people and the boats. Navigators & General has always been a tight unit where all departments sit under the same roof. We genuinely care for one another and I feel privileged to work with so many good people. As for the boats, it’s a passion and a job, what’s not to like?

What would you say to other women who are considering a career in maritime insurance?

When we are at sea with no sign of land, you have to trust your crew and your own knowledge when something goes wrong. “Every day is a school day” comes into the conversation… well, almost every day!

I find the sailing world to be friendly and helpful, sharing a common enthusiasm for boats of all sorts. The maritime insurance world is no different. I would say to people of any gender: Go out on boats, go sailing, get wet, be curious, look everywhere, ask lots of questions, learn as much as you can!

Sharron Sutton, Technical Underwriting Manager

How did you get into maritime insurance – please tell us a bit about your career so far?

I’ve built a long career in insurance, starting as a P&C underwriter before transitioning into various operational roles. But how did I find my way into Marine Insurance? Sometimes, I think it was fate.

From my love of Yacht Rock to settling in Scarborough on the East Coast and embracing the sense of freedom that only a walk along the beach can bring – it all felt like destiny had a plan. When this opportunity arose, I knew it was meant to be, and I feel truly fortunate to have embarked on this journey.

What changes have you seen in the industry during your career?

Regulation plays an essential role – there’s no question about that – but we must never lose sight of why we do what we do. For me, it’s about fairness and transparency, not just ticking a regulatory box.

Those who know me have probably heard me say this countless times: on my first day at Eagle Star, my Superintendent told me, ‘Insurance is based on trust.’ That fundamental truth has never changed.

If you had a crystal ball, what do you anticipate happening in the industry over the next 12-18 months?

AI must take on a larger role in insurance, or the industry risks falling behind. Yet, as we embrace technology, we can't lose sight of the human element – the power of relationships and real conversations.

I hope we move back toward a time when face-to-face meetings and phone calls are the norm again. Trust, after all, is built through dialogue. Yes, documentation is crucial, but let's talk first – because meaningful conversations lay the foundation for everything that follows.

What do you love most about your job?

For me, it’s all about the opportunity to learn. I bring many transferable skills – after all, as someone once said, it’s still insurance, just on water. But stepping into this field has introduced me to an entirely new vocabulary. I think I’ve finally grasped the difference between brown water and blue water (not as ominous as it sounds!), but every day brings fresh lessons. And as someone who thrives on learning, that’s exactly what keeps me inspired.

What would you say to other women who are considering a career in maritime insurance?

In my experience, one thing everyone in this sector shares is a deep passion for what they do – whether it stems from a lifelong connection to marine insurance or a lifestyle that naturally aligns with it.

There's a real sense of community here, and if this floats your boat (pardon the pun), it’s absolutely worth exploring. Regardless of gender, you might just discover that it’s the best career decision you ever make.

Beverley Tatlock, Assistant Marine Underwriter

How did you get into maritime insurance – please tell us a bit about your career so far?

I’m brand new to maritime insurance. Previously, I worked 20 years in Personal Lines, got made redundant and wanted to try a new sector of insurance. I saw a vacancy for an Assistant Marine Underwriter position and jumped at the chance as sounded interesting. It was definitely the right decision.

If you had a crystal ball, what do you anticipate happening in the industry over the next 12-18 months?

I’ve only been here just over three months, so I haven’t experienced any major changes to the industry yet. However, I would expect that claims costs continue to rise due to inflation, and climate change could play a bigger role in the frequency and severity of claims.

What do you love most about your job?

Each day is different, so I am always learning. I enjoy reviewing the different types of risks we receive and assisting our brokers with new business and renewals.

To other women considering a career in maritime insurance, I’d say go for it! It is a global industry and could take you all over the world. There’s a good choice of roles such as Broking, Underwriting, Claims and more.

Hayley Robbins, Marine Underwriter

How did you get into maritime insurance – please tell us a bit about your career so far?

I started back in February 2003 as the Office Receptionist / Administration Assistant and progressed to an Assistant Marine Underwriter – account handling renewals, new business and general queries, along with assisting the Accounts department.

I worked for nine years before taking some time out to start a family. I have since re-started my career by joining Geo back in Dec 2022 as an Assistant Marine Underwriter, progressing to Marine Underwriter at the beginning of 2025.

If you had a crystal ball, what do you anticipate happening in the industry over the next 12-18 months?

The next 12-18 months will be challenging due to the pressure of the softening market, however we will continue to do what we do best and review and underwrite on a case-by-case basis.

What do you love most about your job?

Every day for me is different as I deal with a variation of policies including Marine Trade, Commercial Hull and Cargo. It’s never a dull day!

Rebecca Abbott, Underwriter Marine Trade

How did you get into maritime insurance – please tell us a bit about your career so far?

I first got into Marine Insurance back in 2006, this was following on from previously helping out with Motor and Household Insurance. For ten years I helped with New Business, Renewals, Midterm alterations, general broker queries and assisting accounts.

I returned back to the Marine Industry with Geo in 2021 where my career is continuing to progress.

If you had a crystal ball, what do you anticipate happening in the industry over the next 12-18 months?

If only we could all have a crystal ball… I think the next 12-18 months are going to somewhat challenging especially with current soft market conditions, however I do think the industry will continue to provide growth as it is ever changing and evolving.

What do you love most about your job?

The most exciting part of my job is having variations each day. Every case I deal with is different to underwrite, giving you a varied overview of the Marine Trade Industry. You never know what query will be asked and on some occasions you definitely have to think outside the box!

What would you say to other women who are considering a career in maritime insurance?

I would definitely encourage women to consider a career in maritime insurance, it is such a wide and varied industry there is something for everyone.

Diane Todd, Underwriting Assistant, Marine Trade

How did you get into maritime insurance – please tell us a bit about your career so far?

I got into Marine Insurance during the Lockdown. I was furloughed from my job at the time and was approached by Geo to see if I would like to apply for this role, so I did and here I am now four years later working in the industry.

What changes have you seen in the industry during your career?

I think there are changes all the time within the industry, this is mainly between the things that can be called marine and those that can’t, it’s definitely a learning curve all the time.

What do you love most about your job? 

Believe it or not the most exciting part of my job is the reports I do, a bit sad I know. I do also love that I am developing in my role and learning different processes.

What would you say to other women who are considering a career in maritime insurance?

I’d say to any woman who is considering a role within the Maritime Insurance to go for it, I’ve loved every bit of what I do.