Talbot Underwriting Ltd, a subsidiary of Bermuda-based Validus, has announced the appointment of Thomas Schild as vice-president, political risk underwriter of Talbot Underwriting Services (US) Ltd.Mr Schild has more than 18 years of international experience in the political risk and structured trade credit industry. During this time, Mr Schild has served in a variety of roles including most recently as senior underwriter, structured trade & political risk insurance at XL Insurance.Prior roles included positions at the US Export-Import Bank, Development Finance International and Banc One Capital Markets.James Skinner, active underwriter of Talbot Underwriting Ltd, commented: “There exists a tremendous opportunity for Talbot to continue to expand its global platform by bringing our leading position in political risk insurance to US insurance clients. Tom’s appointment will help ensure we meet the needs of this expanding market, build upon our current product offering and develop new relationships.”Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Schild said: ‘‘I am delighted to be joining Talbot and helping to develop a US book of business in political risk and structured trade credit. I have spent many years both in banking and underwriting these products in the US and believe that we offer differentiated products that will meet the needs of US insureds.’’Acquired by Validus in July 2007, Talbot Underwriting Ltd operates within the Lloyd’s insurance market through Syndicate 1183.