Liberty names Wendt to lead expanded German surety operations

Liberty Mutual is expanding its surety presence in Germany with the opening of a new office in Hamburg and the appointment of Martin Wendt as head of surety Germany.

The move underscores Liberty Mutual Surety’s ambition to strengthen its footprint across the DACH region, where Wendt will also take on additional underwriting responsibilities for Austria and Switzerland.

He will be based in the new Hamburg office, which is set to open later this month and will complement the insurer’s existing operations in Cologne.

Wendt (pictured) joins from Tryg Trade, where he played a key role in building out the company’s surety business in Germany.

Prior to that, he held a series of senior roles at Allianz Trade, including head of large corporates surety and responsibilities in credit approval and risk management.

Roland Richter, head of surety EMEA at Liberty Mutual, said Wendt’s appointment would further support the insurer’s growth strategy in the region.

“As an inspiring and passionate leader, Dr Wendt motivates teams with energy and vision, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared success,” said Richter.

“We look forward to leveraging his expertise to strengthen our market position and deliver innovative surety solutions for our clients.”

Wendt brings more than 13 years of experience in surety underwriting and business development and holds a PhD in economics and finance, with a focus on capital structures within the German Mittelstand.

Liberty Mutual Surety operates in ten European countries and across North America, South America, and Asia Pacific. The company is the largest global insurer of surety bonds and guarantees by written premium.

The latest expansion reflects Liberty Mutual’s broader aim to be a leading surety provider in Germany and Europe, with the insurer citing increasing demand for capacity and expertise across key infrastructure, construction, and corporate risk sectors.