#London #United Kingdom #Markel Insurance #Neil Galjaard #Lee Mooney

Leadership Transition at Markel UK

In a significant move in the insurance sector, Neil Galjaard has announced his decision to step down from his position as Managing Director of Markel UK, effective end of June 2025. Having joined the company in 2016, Galjaard's leadership period has been marked by impressive growth—a 200% increase in revenue, improved profitability, and recognition as the top insurer for customer service in commercial lines. With an eye on future success, he has also played a crucial role in developing a new five-year strategy aimed at enhancing Markel's relevance with clients and partners in the UK market.

Throughout his tenure, Galjaard has been pivotal in transforming Markel UK, leading to an unprecedented tripling of the company's size while simultaneously boosting profit margins. Acknowledging his successor's importance, he expressed confidence in the continued growth strategy that the team at Markel UK is set to implement. Galjaard's decision to leave stems from personal plans that do not align with full-time work until 2030, underscoring his belief that a new leader is essential to carry forward the ambitious plans in place.

His parting words reflect pride in the team's accomplishments: “I wish Lee and the team every success in the future and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the business that will be achieved together with our broker partners.”

Replacing Galjaard is Lee Mooney, who has been appointed to lead Markel UK's regional business. Mooney, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience at RSA—most recently in charge of their UK Commercial Lines division—will assume his new role pending regulatory approval. His deep understanding of the insurance landscape, coupled with a strong rapport with brokers, positions him as the ideal fit to maintain and enhance Markel's valued reputation within the industry.

Henrik Bjornstad, Managing Director of National Markets at Markel International, expressed confidence in Mooney's capabilities: “Lee is a strategic business leader with credible experience in a range of areas that form part of our UK business and vision for future success.”

Mooney echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about his new position: “Markel is renowned for its people-powered approach and exceptional customer service. I can't wait to meet up with the team and work together to make the most of the opportunities that await us.” His goal is to build on the solid foundations established by Galjaard’s leadership and to drive further success for Markel in the increasingly competitive insurance market.

This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Markel Insurance, known for its commitment to providing specialized insurance solutions tailored to complex coverage needs. The company's strength lies not only in its strategic insight but also in fostering deep-seated relationships with clients and brokers. Moving forward, the combination of Galjaard's fruitful legacy and Mooney’s fresh perspective will undoubtedly shape the future trajectories of Markel UK's operations aligned with ambitious growth objectives.

In conclusion, as Neil Galjaard steps away from his significant role, the focus is set on Lee Mooney to lead Markel UK into a new era of innovation, service excellence, and sustained profitability, reinforcing the company's commitment to being a leading player in the insurance sector.