Markel makes several senior hires to enhance wholesale claims service

Markel has announced a range of senior hires as it looks to enhance its wholesale claims service for brokers, insureds and trading partners.

The moves include Dan Thomas being appointed as marine technical claims lead, Debbie Larkin as claims manager for energy, liability and terrorism, Rachel Tighe as claims manager for professional indemnity (PI) and Natalie Myhill as claims manager for financial institutions (FI).

Thomas joins from Helvetia Global Solutions UK, where he was head of marine claims. The other three appointees have all been promoted by Markel.

Chris O’Shea, managing director for international claims, said: “With their deep sector knowledge and expertise, I’m looking forward to seeing them elevate Markel’s wholesale claims operation by leading their respective teams and continuing to deliver a nimble and value add service as we position ourselves for further profitable growth.”

Thomas’ role

In his new role, Thomas will work closely with Markel’s marine liability claims team underwriters and provide feedback on policy wordings and claims insights for both renewal and new business, while fostering relationships with broker partners.

He will be based at Markel’s London office and report to Tim Warren, claims manager for marine liability.

Warren said: “Evolving risks, inflationary pressures and ongoing international supply chain disruptions are continuing to bring uncertainty and an increase in claims for marine insurers. Thomas’ impressive background and technical expertise in handling complex claims will be of significant importance as we continue to support clients during these uncertain times through our best-in-class claims service and expertise.

“We look forward to seeing him take our claims service forward in 2025 and beyond.”

Other appointees

Meanwhile, Larkin will be responsible for the businesses’ upstream, midstream and downstream energy claims, along with claims written as part of Markel’s sustainable energy, conventional power and terrorism portfolios.

She has been with Markel for almost two years’, spending this time managing all levels of claims within the organisation’s energy, liability and terrorism business classes.

Meanwhile, Tighe will manage the PI wholesale claims team and support members with their professional development.

She joined Markel over five years ago, starting at the business as a senior claims adjuster for Markel’s PI team, before progressing to assistant claims manager – PI.

Finally, Myhill will manage the FI wholesale claims team by supporting them in resolving complex claims matters for FI and fintech clients.

Myhill has 14 years of experience within the London and Lloyd’s markets and joined Markel in 2020 as a senior claims adjuster.

O’Shea said: “Increasing geopolitical tensions, combined with ongoing regulatory and technological developments, are spearheading the demand for insurance cover and a more technical and pragmatic approach to settling claims disputes across various shorttail and longtail lines.

“Throughout their career journeys at Markel, they have demonstrated exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and delivered a best-in-class service for broker partners, particularly in light of the economic headwinds that the insurance market will continue to face into the future.”