Markel has expanded its operations with the introduction of a specialty practice in its international wholesale division.

As part of this major expansion, Tom Hillier has been appointed as divisional managing director to lead this new venture. Alongside this development, Markel has also established an international casualty team within the specialty division, appointing Graeme Ivory as its director. These strategic moves are indicative of Markel’s ongoing expansion in the wholesale business and its focus on specialty classes to better serve its primary business partners.

Hillier, heading the specialty division, will oversee various underwriting teams including equine and livestock, marine and energy liability, trade credit, political risk, and surety (TCPRS), in addition to the newly formed international casualty line. Hillier is recognized for his extensive experience and profound understanding of the Lloyd’s and London Specialty insurance markets.

Ivory, with his background as a seasoned casualty underwriter, is set to guide the growth of the international casualty portfolio.

Prior to joining Markel, Hillier and Ivory were part of Brit Insurance, where Hillier served as managing director of specialty, focusing on underwriting performance across both property and casualty. Ivory, who joined Brit in 2014, has held underwriting positions at ACE Europe, Zurich Global Energy, and Catlin 2003 Syndicate.

Both Hillier and Ivory will operate from Markel’s London office, reporting to Andrew McMellin, managing director of wholesale at Markel International.

“I’m delighted to unveil our new dedicated specialty division with Tom at the helm, to bring together elements of longer tail lines, encourage teamwork, and enhance best-in-class underwriting, as well as provide greater scale for our broking partners. I’m also thrilled to welcome Graeme to the team as we set up our international casualty capability,” McMellin said.

Elsewhere for the specialty firm, Bob Cox, president and chief operating officer of global insurance operations at Markel, is announced to be leaving the business at the end of the year.

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