Pen Underwriting boosts renewable energy underwriting capability with key hire
Published On : 25 Sep 2026
Pen Underwriting, the multi-class managing general agent (MGA), has announced the appointment of Petra Votzakis as Renewable Energy Underwriter as it looks to grow its existing specialism in anaerobic digestion (AD), expand its risk-management led insurance propositions for the waste-to-energy industry and extend into new areas of renewable energy.
Petra’s appointment highlights Pen’s continued focus on providing tailored risk solutions for existing AD operations in the UK and its planned expansion into the construction risks of new AD operations, to offer greater broker choice in a limited and highly specialised insurance market.
Bringing 20 years of diverse insurance sector experience, across broking and underwriting, Petra has spent the past decade specialising in construction, engineering and renewable energy risks. She joins from Allianz’s dedicated Engineering, Construction and Power business where she was Renewable Power Underwriter focused on UK onshore risks including solar, wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion.
Andy Dixon, Commercial Director for Hazardous Goods & Environmental Industries at Pen Underwriting, said: “The continued growth of our renewable energy proposition is a key strategic priority for Pen, and I am delighted to welcome Petra to the team. She joins us with significant engineering and renewable power underwriting experience, covering a broad range of technologies including solar, wind, hydro and anaerobic digestion.
“Alongside her technical expertise, Petra has a proven track record of supporting brokers, managing complex risks and developing colleagues. Her appointment represents another important step in strengthening our capability and reinforces our commitment to delivering comprehensive and tailored underwriting solutions to the renewable energy sector.”
Petra Votzakis added: “Renewable energy is entering a period of rapid growth and innovation, creating significant opportunities for insurance providers that genuinely understand the risks behind the transition. From anaerobic digestion and solar to wind and battery storage, clients need partners who can keep pace with evolving technologies, changing regulations and increasingly sophisticated risk profiles.
“Insurance is about more than protecting assets; it's about enabling investment and growth. So, I'm excited to join a business that takes a proactive approach to helping clients manage the risks of anaerobic digestion plants, while supporting business growth and mitigating the impact of any losses. I’m also looking forward to helping Pen extend its expertise across the wider renewable energy sector, supporting clients as they navigate both the opportunities and challenges of the energy transition."
Known as a circular energy, AD is often referred to as one of the ‘cleanest’ forms of renewable energy as it converts organic waste to energy while creating other beneficial by-products such as nutrient-rich fertiliser. Pen’s product offering for the AD sector is designed to support a wide range of operations, including – but not limited to – wastewater treatment plants, animal and farming waste, food and drink production facilities, landfills, and recycling facilities.
The suite of insurance covers has been designed to cover the full range of specialist property, business interruption and liability exposures faced by AD businesses, under one purpose-built policy wording, while also helping businesses proactively manage the unique challenges and risks associated with this fast-growing segment of the renewable energy market.
Whether managing a single site or nationwide operation, customers benefit from proactive risk management, including pre-quote surveys, and 24/7 loss mitigation services through the provision of skilled emergency environmental response teams 365 days a year. These teams will provide immediate support in the event of an incident and help ensure operations resume as quickly as possible.
