Markel International, a subsidiary of Markel Corporation, has announced the appointment of Ben Wakeham as senior war and terrorism underwriter and head of terrorism for North America. Wakeham (pictured above) will report to Ed Winter, senior underwriter and head of terrorism for Markel International. Wakeham will initially be based in the company’s London office and will relocate to the US next year.

Wakeham’s appointment marks the company’s entry into the US war and terrorism market. In his new role, Wakeham will be instrumental in growing and leading a team in the US and developing strategies to scale growth and strengthen Markel’s leadership in the domestic US terrorism market.

Prior to joining Markel, Wakeham served as assistant vice president and head of property and terrorism at Hiscox USA, Los Angeles. In that role, he managed and grew the company’s terrorism portfolio to be one of the largest in the market.

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“We are pleased to have Ben on the team,” Winter said. “In his new position, Ben will be responsible for establishing and growing our presence in the US war and terrorism market by providing clients access to products that offer greater protection from an insurer they know and trust. With his strong track record in delivering and executing results, we are certain that Ben will be able to take our war and terrorism portfolio to the next level while providing an unrivaled services to clients.”