Markel Group Names Simon Wilson as CEO of Markel Insurance
RICHMOND, Va., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) has announced that Simon Wilson, currently President of Markel International, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance. This new entity encompasses the company’s three primary underwriting businesses: Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance.
This leadership change is part of Markel’s strategy to become more customer-centric by giving each team the power to meet the specific needs of their respective markets. This strategy helped Markel grow from a small U.S. insurer to a global leader in specialty insurance after it went public in 1986.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance
Wilson brings over two decades of experience in scaling large specialty insurance organizations to the role. He joined Markel in 2010 to develop international business. He led the expansion of Markel International beyond London, with operations in Europe, Canada, and Asia. These operations achieved $2.5 billion in annual gross written premium last year.
In January 2020, Wilson was made Managing Executive of Global Strategy for Markel, where he supported all underwriting operations. Since becoming President of Markel International in 2021, the division grew its gross written premiums by nearly 40 percent and net underwriting profit by more than 250 percent. Before joining Markel, Wilson led the Lloyd’s Asia platform in Singapore.
“Simon is a proven leader with extensive insurance expertise, and his leadership approach aligns with both the Markel Style and our current needs,” said Tom Gayner, Chief Executive Officer of Markel Group. “Markel’s growth has been impressive, but it also brought new challenges and unnecessary complexity, as confirmed by our ongoing Board-led business review. At times, we unintentionally made it harder for our people to serve our customers. I’m confident in Simon’s vision for growing this fortress of an insurance business through teams that are focused on serving the customers and markets that they know best.”
“I am deeply honored by this opportunity,” said Wilson. “Markel is at its best when our leaders are given equal parts empowerment and accountability. Our work going forward will ensure that we make decisions as close to the customer as possible, reduce complexity, and restore our commitment to being a market leader in each of our pursuits.”
As a result of Wilson’s promotion, Jeremy Noble will be leaving the company.
Gayner added, “I’ve worked alongside Jeremy for more than 20 years and am immensely grateful for his relentless efforts on behalf of the business, in particular during the past few years as he worked to strengthen the foundation of our insurance operations.”
Alongside this leadership transition, the State National and Nephila leadership teams will continue to operate with significant autonomy. They will now report directly into Markel Group, alongside Markel Insurance. These three businesses will also continue to collaborate where opportunities exist in the marketplace.
About Markel Group
Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) is a diverse family of companies including insurance, bakery equipment, building supplies, and houseplants. The leadership teams of the various businesses operate independently but share the values of the Markel Style. At the core of the company is its specialty insurance business. Through years of sound underwriting, the insurance team has provided the capital base that has allowed the company to create a system of businesses and investments. This system increases Markel Group’s durability and adaptability. It provides diverse income streams, access to a wide range of investment opportunities, and the ability to efficiently move capital to the best ideas throughout the company. This system helps each of Markel’s businesses work toward their goal of helping customers, associates, and shareholders succeed over the long term.
Visit mklgroup.com to learn more.
