Full circle: Adrian Scott on passion, progress and the power of Marine Insurance

From his early days at Assicurazioni Generali to leading Geo Marine and Leisure and helping bring Navigators & General into the fold, Adrian’s story reflects a lifelong commitment to the maritime sector.

In this article, Adrian shares his sailing roots, industry predictions, and how Geo and N&G together offer brokers a truly comprehensive marine solution.

Can you tell us a bit about your career to date – how did you get into Marine insurance?

My career in insurance started in the late ’80s at Assicurazioni Generali. Studying for exams and learning about the maritime sector’s legacy in shaping insurance markets sparked a passion in me for marine insurance.

I later moved to Eagle Star (now Zurich), which owned the Navigators & General business. Although I was a liability underwriter at the time, I always had a desire to work in N&G due to my passion for sailing and maritime insurance. 

I then moved into broking, focusing on leisure and affinity-based solutions – my first hands-on experience with marine products.

Joining Geo in 2018, we acquired a marine business from KGM, which became Geo Marine and Leisure. I began working actively with the team and became head of the business in 2024.

We had the chance to acquire N&G at the same time, and I was part of the M&A project. It felt like a full-circle moment – being involved in N&G was something I’d aspired to for over 30 years, and now it’s a reality.

We understand you’re a sailor in your own right—can you tell us when you first began sailing and how this shapes your free time? 

Yes – my passion for sailing started when I was 9 years old, when my father became the steward of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth. All my holidays and spare time were spent around boats.

Due to my father’s role, he wasn’t always available, but he’d always find someone willing to take me out on the water. One day I’d be on a fishing vessel laying pots, the next on a 70ft schooner.
 
I got involved with groups like Ocean Youth Club and started racing yachts as part of a crew. I continued sailing dinghies and eventually bought my own yacht 20 years ago. 

These days, most of my sailing is cruising around the south coast with my wife – we just love being on the water. I also take part in events like Round the Island and still race a Solo dinghy when time permits.

What are your key predictions for the marine industry over the next 12–18 months, both commercial and leisure? 

The maritime market is vast – covering offshore energy, transportation, port operations, fishing, and leisure – and remains a key contributor to UK GDP.

Marine-grade manufacturing in the UK is highly regarded globally, so exports will continue to play a major role in the commercial sector. Boat yards are busy, and marinas remain buoyant.
 
We’re also seeing efficiency improvements in boat design and greener propulsion methods, which are driving significant changes in boat building. These developments are key considerations for the insurance market moving forward.
 
In terms of marine insurance, there are fewer specialists, and the trend of consolidation is likely to continue. 

Why was it important to bring Navigators & General into the Geo business, and what does this mean for brokers and clients one year on? 

Navigators & General was a perfect fit – it complemented Geo’s existing marine team and allowed us to offer a full suite of marine solutions.
 
Whether it’s commercial industries like fishing and offshore energy or leisure-focused sectors like marinas and charter operators, we now provide collective solutions across the marine insurance market.
 
One year on, we’re seeing the benefits of that broad reach and strong cross-party engagement between the brands – delivering tangible results for brokers and clients alike.

Can you outline how each team can help brokers – what’s the appetite for the Geo Marine team versus the Navigators & General team? 

Simply put, Geo focuses on supporting brokers and schemes across the commercial maritime sector  – including commercial fishing, marine trades, hull and machinery, cargo and transportation.
 
N&G is rooted in the recreational end of the market – pleasure craft, leisure-focused marine trades, boat clubs, marinas, boat builders, and charter operators.

Why should brokers trade with Geo for their Marine needs? 

There are two principal reasons. First, we offer real bandwidth in the solutions we provide – from insuring a stand-up paddleboard to goods on a super tanker.
 
Second, our teams bring a wealth of experience and knowledge. Many of us have real-life experience and a genuine passion for the things we insure, which makes a real difference when supporting our broker partners.

Get in touch today

Need a marine insurance partner with depth, breadth, and passion? Contact our team at sales@geounderwriting.com