Markel Group Names Simon Wilson as CEO of Markel Insurance
RICHMOND, Va., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) revealed today that Simon Wilson, currently President of Markel International, will become Chief Executive Officer of Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance, collectively known as Markel Insurance. This change is part of a wider strategy to enhance the customer experience.
Mr. Wilson brings over twenty years of experience managing sizable specialty insurance businesses. He joined Markel in 2010 to direct international business growth. He was instrumental in the expansion of Markel International beyond London, with operations in Europe, Canada, and Asia that achieved $2.5 billion in gross written premiums last year. In January 2020, Wilson was named Managing Executive of Global Strategy for Markel, supporting all underwriting operations. Since 2021, as President of Markel International, he oversaw a nearly 40 percent increase in gross written premiums and a more than 250 percent rise in net underwriting profit for the division.
Before joining Markel, Wilson headed 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 this leadership transition, Jeremy Noble is 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.”
The State National and Nephila leadership teams will continue to operate autonomously, reporting directly to Markel Group, alongside Markel Insurance. These three entities will continue to explore collaborative marketplace opportunities.
About Markel Group
Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) is a diversified group of companies, including businesses ranging from insurance to bakery equipment. The leadership teams operate with a high degree of autonomy while adhering to the values known as the Markel Style. At the core of the company lies its specialty insurance business. Through sound underwriting practices, the insurance team has provided the capital base to build a system of businesses and investments. This system aims to increase Markel Group’s durability and adaptability. It presents diverse income streams, access to varied investment opportunities, and efficient capital allocation across the company. The ultimate objective is to assist customers, associates, and shareholders in achieving long-term success.
Visit mklgroup.com for further details.
