#USA #New York #Cybersecurity #Markel Insurance #Tech E&O

Markel Insurance Appoints Raphael Da Costa to Lead U.S. Cyber and Tech E&O Portfolio

In a significant organizational announcement, Markel, part of Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), revealed the appointment of Raphael Da Costa as the new leader of its U.S. cyber and tech errors and omissions (E&O) portfolio. This strategic decision came into effect on May 7, 2026, as the company aims to strengthen its capabilities in managing cyber and technological challenges that have become increasingly complex in today's digital landscape.

A New Era of Cybersecurity Leadership

Raphael Da Costa brings with him over 15 years of rich experience in the realms of cybersecurity and insurance. He joined Markel in 2023 and has since played a pivotal role in the strategic development and execution of insurance products tailored for middle-market risks associated with cyber and technology. His expertise is expected to bolster Markel's strengths in underwriting, portfolio management, and product development.

Paul Melone, Executive Underwriting Officer for Professional Liability at Markel, expressed confidence in Da Costa's appointment, stating, “Raphael brings deep technical knowledge and strong market experience that directly benefits our brokers and customers as cyber risks continue to evolve.” This acknowledgment underscores not just Da Costa's technical skill but also the importance of cultivating talent from within the company, which is a focal point of Markel's growth strategy.

Navigating an Evolving Cyber Risk Environment

As the digital landscape continually shifts, businesses face new threats from cyberattacks and technological vulnerabilities. The need for well-informed underwriting partners has never been more critical, and Da Costa emphasized this need, stating, “Cyber and technology risks are changing in real time, and our customers need underwriting partners who understand both the technical detail and the broader business impact.” This statement highlights the dual challenge of navigating technical intricacies while maintaining a comprehensive view of business dynamics.

In his new role, Da Costa will collaborate closely with underwriting, claims, and actuarial teams to foster disciplined growth within the sector while delivering solutions that resonate with the needs of the changing cyber risk environment. His appointment signals Markel’s commitment to supporting its clients in addressing the increasing complexity of cyber threats.

Vision for the Future

Based in Markel’s New York office, Da Costa is excited about the opportunities his new role presents. He is committed to building on the company's foundation of thoughtful underwriting and long-term client relationships. Markel aims to not only enhance its portfolio but also to solidify its position as a leading insurer in the face of evolving technological threats. "Markel has consistently demonstrated a commitment to thoughtful underwriting and long-term relationships, and I'm excited to build on that foundation to continue supporting our brokers and clients across the U.S. market," he remarked.

Markel Insurance is recognized globally as a premier specialty insurer, emphasizing a people-first approach in its operations. The company is dedicated to developing intelligent solutions for complex specialty insurance needs, and the addition of Da Costa at the helm of the U.S. cyber and tech E&O portfolio reinforces this mission.

In summary, the appointment of Raphael Da Costa marks a strategic move for Markel Insurance as it prepares to enhance its response to dynamic cyber risk scenarios and continue fostering its reputation as an industry leader. With his wealth of experience and dedication to client-focused solutions, Da Costa is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring Markel remains a reliable partner in the insurance space.