Markel bolsters marine and vitality legal responsibility division with new director

Markel has appointed Grant Smith (pictured above) as director of marine & vitality legal responsibility for its worldwide specialty division, efficient instantly.

The corporate highlighted Smith’s appointment as a part of Markel’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its worldwide specialty underwriting capabilities, following the launch of its international specialty practice in December of final yr.

Smith brings greater than 17 years of expertise within the legal responsibility insurance coverage market, having held varied underwriting and management roles. He joins Markel from QBE, the place he most just lately served as portfolio supervisor specialty for QBE European Operations, managing a large portfolio of worldwide marine enterprise, together with legal responsibility, hull, and P&I lessons.

Earlier than his time at QBE, Smith labored in underwriting roles throughout marine and aviation at Travelers, starting his profession within the business.

In his new position, Smith will lead the marine & vitality legal responsibility workforce inside Markel’s worldwide wholesale enterprise. He shall be tasked with driving development initiatives that align with Markel’s long-term strategic objectives. He shall be primarily based in London and can report back to Tom Hillier, managing director of worldwide specialty at Markel.

Hillier famous that purchasers are presently navigating a difficult setting because of financial inflation, modifications in regulatory and authorized frameworks, and rising technological and climate-related legal responsibility dangers.

Hillier additionally highlighted that when the specialty apply was established inside Markel’s Worldwide Wholesale enterprise final yr, the corporate set formidable objectives for the marine & vitality legal responsibility workforce, centered on attaining sustainable and worthwhile development and establishing management in underwriting and repair.

“I’m subsequently delighted to welcome Grant on board to guide our marine & vitality legal responsibility workforce. I’m assured his background and expertise will place him to guide the workforce to ship on our formidable objectives for this class of enterprise and supply a superior service proposition to our purchasers and brokers,” he mentioned.

What are your ideas on this story? Please be happy to share your feedback beneath.