Markel makes multiple senior hires to expand broker capabilities

Markel has made a range of senior hires as it looks to enhance its broker capabilities.

The insurer said it had made appointments in the north and south of England, with the moves expanding its underwriting, development and service teams.

The southern regions see three new hires, with Chris Dunn joining as development underwriter in south west England and South Wales, Elaine Holland as south business development manager and James Fone starting as south key account director.

Dunn has more than 15 years of professional indemnity experience, most recently as a senior trading underwriter at RSA.

Holland, meanwhile, is a client relations and strategic business development professional, having held development roles at NIG and Paragon Personal Finance.

And Fone, who will be based in London, has a background in key account management, with previous experience from Travelers and HSB Engineering.

Northern England

Meanwhile, in northern England, Vickie Rhodes assumes the role of north west business development manager, Paul Cuddihy takes on the position of north key account director and Laurie Witts joins as a team manager in the renewals team.

Rhodes brings more than 15 years of experience in business development from Altea, Marsh and Gallagher, while Cuddihy will operate from Manchester, having previously worked for RSA, HSB Engineering and Allianz.

Witts, meanwhile, brings over a decade of experience in renewals management and customer retention with Hiscox, Direct Asia Insurance and Towergate.

Hires have also been made in Birmingham, with Joe McMurrough joining as a senior construction underwriter, while Brad Thomas assumes the role of broker development manager.

McMurrough brings underwriting experience from insurers such as QBE and Chubb, while Thomas has worked for Ecclesiastical and 1^st Choice Insurance.

’Commitment’

Jo Sykes, UK divisional director – broker at Markel, said the new appointees “will enhance our capabilities and support our profitable growth targets”.

She added: “We aim to further develop broker partnerships and strengthen market presence with distribution and underwriting experts in 2025.

“These hires demonstrate our commitment to investing in our people to improve service and meet client needs across the UK.”