#USA #London #Markel Insurance #CUO #Tom Hillier

Markel Insurance Shapes Its Future with New Leadership

On October 13, 2025, Markel Insurance, the dedicated insurance division within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), made significant headlines in the insurance sector by appointing Tom Hillier as its Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO), pending regulatory approval. This move comes with a strategic restructuring of their international operations, marking a vital step towards enhancing their operational framework and positioning for growth.

Tom Hillier joins Markel Insurance with an extensive background in the insurance industry, boasting over 20 years of experience. Prior to this appointment, Hillier was instrumental in developing Markel’s new Specialty practice within its International Wholesale division in 2023. Before his tenure at Markel, he served as Managing Director of Specialty at Brit Insurance. His vast experience, particularly in Property and Casualty, has equipped him with a strong focus on improving underwriting performance, which will be critical in his new role.

In his capacity as CUO, Hillier's primary responsibilities include overseeing the underwriting strategy and governance across Markel's international operations. This involves collaborating with business leaders to stimulate profitable growth, enhance underwriting discipline, and solidify partnerships with brokers and Managing General Agents (MGAs).

A New Structure for International Operations

Alongside the announcement of Hillier’s appointment, Markel International is introducing a new structure aimed at boosting efficiency and customer focus. This restructuring will transition the organization from its previous two divisions—Wholesale and National Markets—into five distinct operational segments:

• - Asia-Pacific
• - Canada
• - Europe
• - London Market (covering Marine Energy, PFR Cyber, and Specialty)
• - UK

This reorganization is not merely a restructuring; it’s a strategic initiative designed to streamline decision-making processes and bolster customer engagement. By allowing each business segment to operate independently, Markel aims to enhance its adaptability to market demands and client needs.

Moreover, the newly minted London Market segment will unify key international product areas—Marine Energy, PFR Cyber, and Specialty—under a single leadership team. This integration is set to strengthen Markel’s position in the Lloyd's and London insurance market. To this end, the company will soon initiate a search for a Managing Director for the London Market, who will be tasked with leveraging Markel’s existing market strengths and expanding its reach.

All five newly formed businesses, including the new CUO role, will report directly to Andrew McMellin, President of Markel International. As part of this restructuring, the roles of both the Wholesale Managing Director and National Markets Managing Director will be eliminated. Henrik Bjørnstad, who previously held the National Markets Managing Director position, is set to depart the company at the end of the year, marking a significant change in leadership dynamics.

Leadership Vision and Next Steps

Andrew McMellin expressed optimism regarding the changes, noting, "Tom's appointment as CUO is a crucial step in ensuring we have the right leadership framework for driving underwriting excellence and enhancing our long-term partnerships with brokers and MGAs. The structural adjustments we’ve introduced today are fundamentally about ensuring Markel International is well-positioned for long-term success."

He further acknowledged Henrik Bjørnstad’s contributions over his decade-long tenure, reflecting on the important role he played in shaping Markel's trajectory.

Markel Insurance stands out as a global specialist insurer with a commitment to a people-first philosophy. Their ability to craft intelligent solutions for complex insurance needs, combined with the strong relationships developed among their people, brokers, and clients, continues to set them apart in the competitive landscape of specialty insurance.

In conclusion, this strategic restructuring and the addition of Tom Hillier as CUO highlight Markel’s dedication to fostering growth and operational excellence in the ever-evolving insurance market. As Markel Insurance navigates through these transformative changes, it remains focused on sustaining its legacy of professionalism, integrity, and innovative service in the insurance industry.