NorthStandard has appointed Steve Cockburn as Chief Executive Officer of NorthStandard Europe, its Dublin-based subsidiary overseeing around 40 percent of the group’s global insurance portfolio.
The appointment follows the formal integration of two legacy Dublin operations that previously represented North P&I and The Standard Club. Before their merger in 2023, North and Standard were the only P&I clubs established in Ireland. Their consolidation has created a significant European marine insurance business based in a long-established international commercial centre.
Cockburn will relocate from Newcastle to Dublin and brings more than 20 years of experience with NorthStandard. He previously served nearly six years as chair of the International Group’s Compulsory Insurance Committee and held the role of Chief of Geographical Sectors, with global responsibility for blue-water membership and operations. He also led the business integration process following the merger of North and Standard.
He will remain a member of NorthStandard’s Executive Leadership Team. In his new role, the Dublin-based heads of claims, underwriting, finance, and risk will report directly to him, subject to Central Bank of Ireland regulatory requirements.
“By bringing together and growing our activities in Ireland, NorthStandard is establishing Dublin as a centre of excellence for marine insurance and signalling its intention to develop in this location as part of our global business,” Cockburn said.
“Success will come from the strength of our existing team. We will grow it further by combining internal talent with external expertise, including industry leaders, local professionals, and people attracted to Dublin as an insurance hub.”
In January 2026, Cockburn and his team will move into new offices at Sir John Rogerson’s Quay in Dublin Docklands, on the south bank of the River Liffey.
Alongside his CEO Europe role, Cockburn will continue to oversee NorthStandard’s European member relationships. This includes responsibility for teams covering the Mediterranean and Ireland, Greece, and the Nordics and Northern Europe.
“I believe it is critical that I stay close to members,” Cockburn said. “Their interests must remain our first priority, particularly when it comes to claims handling, underwriting quality, and loss prevention services.”
The expansion of NorthStandard’s European presence in Ireland comes at a strategic moment, with maritime policy expected to feature prominently during Ireland’s EU Presidency between July and December 2026.
Cockburn said NorthStandard Europe will deepen its engagement with Ireland’s maritime sector and key stakeholders. “This is a strong opportunity to build something special in Ireland,” he said.
“We are growing from a new centre of excellence that is energised, skilled, and well connected, working closely with our teams in Newcastle, Piraeus, London, and across the global network to keep raising service standards for our members.”
