Markel Insurance, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc., has announced the appointment of Tom Hillier as its chief underwriting officer (CUO). It also announced the introduction of a new structure for its international operations to align with its expanding scale and prepare for the next phase of growth.
The company announced that it will transition from two divisions – Wholesale and National Markets – to five distinct businesses by the end of 2025: Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, London Market (encompassing marine & energy, PFR & cyber, and specialty), and the UK.
The restructuring aims to simplify decision-making, sharpen customer focus, and create a framework that enables each business to scale independently and tailor strategies to local markets.
The newly formed London Market business will unite Markel International’s marine & energy, PFR & cyber, and specialty product areas under a single leadership team. The firm will soon begin an open process to appoint a managing director for the London Market, responsible for building on Markel’s established position within Lloyd’s and the wider London Market.
As CUO, Hillier will lead underwriting strategy and governance across Markel’s international businesses. He will collaborate with business leaders to strengthen underwriting discipline, support profitable growth, and reinforce partnerships with brokers and managing general agents (MGAs).
Hillier brings more than two decades of insurance industry experience. He most recently served as managing director – specialty, after launching Markel’s Specialty practice within its International Wholesale division in 2023. Prior to joining Markel in December 2023, he was managing director of specialty at Brit Insurance, holding various roles across property and casualty lines focused on underwriting performance.
All five regional businesses, as well as the CUO role, will report directly to Andrew McMellin, president of Markel International.
“Tom’s appointment as CUO is a key step in ensuring we have the right leadership in place to drive underwriting excellence and deepen our long-term partnerships with brokers and MGAs,” McMellin said.
The roles of wholesale managing director and national markets managing director will be phased out. Henrik Bjørnstad, current national markets managing director, will depart from the company at the end of the year.
“The structural changes we’ve announced today are about setting Markel International up for long-term success. They give each of the five new businesses the clarity and focus they need to grow and deliver for our clients and brokers,” McMellin said.
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