Markel Group has appointed Simon Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance, a newly structured division that integrates Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance.
Wilson, formerly President of Markel International, will oversee the specialty (re)insurer’s global underwriting operations, with a particular emphasis on strengthening regional market strategies, including in APAC.
Before joining Markel in 2010, Wilson led the Lloyd’s Asia platform in Singapore, playing a key role in strengthening its regional presence. He has been instrumental in expanding Markel International’s footprint beyond London, including a focus on APAC, Europe, and Canada. His leadership contributed to the division reaching US$2.5bn in gross written premiums in 2024, Markel said.
Since his appointment as President of Markel International in 2021, Wilson has also overseen a 40% increase in gross written premiums and a 250% rise in net underwriting profit. Prior to this, as Managing Executive of Global Strategy in 2020, he supported Markel’s broader underwriting operations globally.
“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.”
As part of this leadership transition, Jeremy Noble will be leaving Markel Group. Markel also announced that State National and Nephila will continue to operate independently while reporting directly to Markel Group alongside Markel Insurance.
