Markel Group has appointed Simon Wilson as the CEO of Markel Insurance, which includes the company’s three primary underwriting businesses – Markel Specialty, Markel International and Markel Global Reinsurance.
This move is part of Markel’s efforts to enhance customer focus across the company’s diverse markets.
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With 20 years of experience, Wilson joined Markel in 2010 to lead international business development and was named managing executive of global strategy for Markel in 2020.
The company termed him as “primary architect” for his role in global expansion outside London markets.
As the former president of Markel International, Wilson’s leadership saw the division’s gross written premiums grow by almost 40% and net underwriting profit soar by more than 250% since 2021, stated the company.
Wilson’s previous experience includes heading the Lloyd’s Asia platform in Singapore.
The leadership overhaul will also see Jeremy Noble leave the company.
Meanwhile, the leadership teams of State National and Nephila will retain their autonomy but will now report to Markel Group, along with Markel Insurance.
Markel Group CEO Tom Gayner said: “Simon is a proven leader with extensive insurance expertise, and his leadership approach aligns with both the Markel style and our current needs. Markel’s growth has been impressive, but it also brought new challenges and unnecessary complexity, as confirmed by our ongoing Board-led business review.
“I am confident in Simon’s vision for growing this fortress of an insurance business through teams that are focused on serving the customers and markets that they know best.”
Wilson said: “I am deeply honoured by this opportunity. Markel is at its best when our leaders are given equal parts empowerment and accountability. Our work going forward will ensure that we make decisions as close to the customer as possible, reduce complexity and restore our commitment to being a market leader in each of our pursuits.”
In 2024, Markel Group’s net income attributable to shareholders reached $2.7bn, a 47.37% increase from $1.9bn in 2023.
