Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) announced today that Simon Wilson has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company’s three main underwriting businesses, now collectively known as Markel Insurance. Wilson, formerly President of Markel International, steps into this new role as part of a strategic initiative to enhance customer focus within the organization.
Wilson brings over two decades of experience in scaling large specialty insurance operations. He joined Markel in 2010, spearheading the expansion of Markel International. His efforts were instrumental in scaling operations across Europe, Canada, and Asia, which collectively generated $2.5 billion in annual gross written premium last year.
In 2020, Wilson was appointed Managing Executive of Global Strategy for Markel, supporting all underwriting operations. Since becoming President of Markel International in 2021, his division has seen substantial growth, with gross written premiums rising by nearly 40 percent and net underwriting profit increasing by over 250 percent. Prior to 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. “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.” Gayner noted that the company’s growth had brought “unnecessary complexity” at times.
Wilson expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “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 transition, Jeremy Noble will be leaving the company. Gayner acknowledged Noble’s contributions, stating, “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.”
Also, the leadership teams of State National and Nephila will persist in operating with a high degree of autonomy and will now report directly into Markel Group. These three businesses will continue to collaborate where opportunities exist.
Markel Group Inc. operates various businesses, including insurance. Its specialty insurance segment remains pivotal, and the company’s diverse structure is aimed at increasing its durability and adaptability. This system grants diverse income streams and access to a wide array of investment pursuits while efficiently moving capital toward the best ideas.
