The Chairmen

Keith Jones

The Organisers and Strategy Group were delighted that Keith Jones accepted the role of Chairman in 2014 and continues to hold that role. Keith is a Fellow of the UK Association of Average Adjusters having qualified in 1984 and was Chairman of the AAA for the years 2012/14. Keith started his career at Richards Hogg International and managed offices in Manila, Philippines before returning to London to qualify and then moving to Piraeus, Greece once qualified. He was recruited by Marsh to open their London average adjusting operation in 2001, then joined Aon, London, in 2008 following the integration of the Benfield Corporate Risk team.

Keith has actively supported many educational initiatives and has sat on various Market committees regarding the International Hull Clauses. He currently sits on the AAA Committee of Management, Exam Committee and York/Antwerp Rules Revision 2016 committee and keenly mentors candidates for the AAA exams. Keith also lectures on marine claims topics and writes articles for the shipping press and Club publications.

As with his predecessor, IMCC looks forward to working with Keith to continue to develop both the conference itself and also the underlying work such as marine insurance education and the development of the next generation of marine claims professionals.

Past Chairmen

Deirdre H Littlefield (2011 - 2013)

Mike Telford (2008 - 2010)

David Taylor (2004 - 2007)

Deirdre took on the role of IMCC Chair in 2011 having attended several previous IMCCs in her capacity of President of the International Union of Marine Insurances (IUMI), in which role she was pivotal in the invitation to IMCC to become an affiliate of IUMI, a relationship which IMCC values highly.

During that time, in her business career, Deirdre was Senior Vice President of Starr Marine and in addition to overseeing Starr Marine’s international business development initiatives, Deirdre has been actively involved in marine industry organizations serving on the Executive Committee of the National Cargo Bureau (NCB) and also chairing NCB’s Investment Committee, a member of the American Bureau of Shipping and as Chair of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) from 2000 to 2002.

Mike Telford was a natural choice for the role of IMCC Chairman following the sterling job undertaken by our founding Chairman, David Taylor. Well respected within the international marine market, his warm embracing character was far reaching and well respected within all areas of shipping and insurance. He possessed that powerful combination of high professional skill and standards, coupled with an acute commercial acumen.

After school at Dulwich, Mike Telford graduated in law from Dundee and went on to qualify as a lawyer at the College of Law Guildford.

He spent most of his working life at the well known claims and recovery specialists W K Webster where he joined the cargo claims department in 1976, transferring to the recoveries department the following year. With this combined experience he moved to hull claims in 1980 where he found his niche, ultimately becoming the firm’s senior partner in 1992 where he remained until he retired in 2007 to pursue other interests including founding the Norwegian managing agents Vega Insurance with others.

In retirement Mike acted as consultant in a number of areas including auditing Lloyd’s syndicates,training and mentoring. Not least he become a champion of IMCC, energetically leading the conference for three years, and also representing IMCC at IUMI.

His hobbies included golf and rugby and watching over the well being of his wife and three children.

Mike lost a courageous battle with cancer on 17 May 2011, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. A dear and loyal friend and colleague to many.

When considering a potential chairman for the new International Marine Claims Conference, the organisers knew that they needed someone who was known and commanded respect in all corners of the world, as well as the maritime community.

When approached to be the inaugural Chairman of IMCC, David enthusiastically embraced the concept of the Marine Claims Conference. His reputation within the international marine insurance arena meant that he had many contacts around the world and his endorsement of the newly formed conference was a pivotal part of its success from the very first year.

David began his career in the law, starting in general practice, and then moving into the shipping area in 1970 with the UK Chamber of Shipping. In 1972, he joined maritime law firm Hill Taylor Dickinson, where he became a managing partner in 1984 before moving to Clifford Chance in 1990, being closely involved in the development of the firm’s shipping and insurance practice at Lloyd’s.

David decided on a change from the law in 1997, when he joined the Institute of London Underwriters (ILU) as advisor on inter-governmental and international affairs, and is currently filling the role of Special Advisor at the IUA following the merger of the ILU and LIRMA in 1999.

With his strong links to IUMI, David was still IMCC Chairman when conference became an affiliate member of IUMI which has proved a strong and valuable link with the underwriting community.

After four years in the Chair, David has continued to be a great supporter of IMCC, sitting on the Strategy Group, attending in Dublin every year and always available to offer support whenever needed.

In his spare time, if he is not visiting his much loved Switzerland, with wife, Sally, he manages to frequent the golf course and has been seen sporting some rather natty golf wear on occasions which has a debatable impact on his handicap whilst serving to effectively distract his opponents on a regular basis.