Melis Otmar is an accomplished marine insurance professional with over two decades of experience in claims management and leadership within the global shipping and insurance markets. She currently serves as Executive Director and Head of Marine Claims in London at Howden, where she leads the marine claims division and champions women’s leadership and development initiatives.

Previously, Melis spent 15 years at BMS Group as Marine Claims Director, managing complex claims for major international clients and spearheading operational restructuring projects. Her career began at HSBC Insurance Brokers in London, where she specialized in marine claims handling and client relationship management.

Melis holds an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance from Cass Business School, City University London, and a BA in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University. She has completed executive education programs at MIT Sloan School of Management and Yale School of Management, focusing on AI strategy and women’s leadership.

A recognized thought leader, Melis is a frequent speaker at global marine insurance conferences and serves as Chairperson of the LIIBA Marine Claims Sub Committee. She is also a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.