Career Moves
Several key leadership changes are taking place within the insurance industry. Here’s a look at some of the recent appointments:
Markel Group Appoints CEO of Insurance
Markel Group has announced that Simon Wilson, currently President of Markel International, will become CEO of Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance—collectively known as Markel Insurance. Wilson, who joined the company in 2010 and previously headed Lloyd’s Asia platform in Singapore, succeeds Jeremy Noble.
Tom Gayner, CEO of Markel Group, stated, “Simon is a proven leader with extensive insurance expertise, and his leadership approach aligns with both the Markel Style and our current needs. 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.”
Markel also announced the appointments of Nan Fine as managing director, casualty, Southeast region, Markel Specialty, and Hillary Warren as manager for commercial wholesale excess casualty, Southeast region. Anthony F. Markel, Vice Chairman of the Board, will retire as a director and assume the role of Chairman Emeritus.
Farmers Names Regional President
Farmers Insurance has appointed Ankur Chaturvedi as regional president for its East territory. Chaturvedi, most recently VP of product innovation and strategic initiatives at Ouro, will support agency owners and district managers in the region. Ken Walton, president of distribution and chief revenue officer for Farmers, said, “I am confident that Ankur’s leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to accelerate our capital investments and growth efforts in the East. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive strategic transformation and deliver remarkable revenue growth.”
The Mutual Group Appoints Chief Information and Technology Officer
The Mutual Group has named Vineet Bansal as chief information and technology officer. Bansal will lead technology strategy and digital transformation, overseeing the company’s technology platform, data analytics, cybersecurity, and IT strategy. Patrick Markowski, chief operating officer of The Mutual Group, noted, “Technology is a core pillar of our strategy to drive innovation and efficiency for our mutual insurance members. We are thrilled to welcome Vineet to the team and leverage his deep acumen and expertise in modern solutions, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and automation, which will play a critical role in the continued development of our leading-edge solutions platform.”
Beazley Selects Lindsay Shipper to Lead North American Property Growth
Specialty insurer Beazley has appointed Lindsay Shipper as head of commercial property, North America, effective April 1, 2025. Based in Atlanta, Ga., Shipper brings nearly two decades of experience in the property market. She joins Beazley from Marsh, where she held multiple senior positions. Richard Montminy, Group Head of Property Risks, commented, “Property owners across North America are facing an evolving landscape driven by climate risk and increasing property values. At Beazley, we have consistently demonstrated that the property market is one we know well. We are committed to continuing our investment to support our brokers and clients in meeting the challenge, and I am delighted that Lindsay will be joining to help us realize our growth ambitions.”
Manulife Names Witherington as CEO, Finch as CEO of Asia Unit
Manulife has appointed Steve Finch as president and CEO of Manulife Asia, effective May 9, 2025. Finch succeeds Phil Witherington, who will become president and CEO of Manulife itself. Finch has held several roles at the insurer over 32 years and has been a member of the executive leadership team since 2016, currently serving as its chief actuary.
Finch has been involved in transformation efforts, transactions supporting the company’s reserves, and transitions to new accounting standards. He also served as CFO of Manulife’s John Hancock unit in the U.S., and general manager of the John Hancock life insurance business.
Stevens Promoted to Lead AmFam Tax Operations
American Family Insurance Group (AFG) has promoted Matthew J. Stevens to vice president of its tax department. Stevens previously served as assistant vice president of the department. He began at AFG’s Great American Insurance Group in 1998, and has been in AFG’s tax department since 2000, reaching his current role in 2022.
TravMark Hires Lofdahl as Managing Director
TravMark, a specialty insurance broker focused on travel and summer camp businesses, has hired Shannon Lofdahl as managing director. Previously, Lofdahl was president and CEO of Travelex Insurance Services for 28 years, starting in the call center and becoming CEO in 2020.
As managing director, Lofdahl aims to expand TravMark’s tour operator, summer camp, and youth travel units, as well as develop new insurance offerings. She is a member of Chief, a leadership network for women executives.
Zinnia Appoints Vice Chair and Board Member
Life and annuity insurance technology company Zinnia has appointed Gary Cohn as vice chair and board member. Cohn, also vice chairman of IBM, previously served as president and COO of Goldman Sachs and was assistant to the president for economic policy and director of the U.S. National Economic Council.
Michele Trogni, chair and CEO of Zinnia, stated in the announcement, “With the demand for retirement solutions growing, Zinnia’s platform offers advisors, insurers and consumers a modern and intuitive experience, simplifying the integration of L&A products seamlessly into wealth portfolios. We’re thrilled to have Gary join our board at a pivotal moment for Zinnia and our industry. His track record and experience in banking and technology will help further accelerate Zinnia’s growth.”
