Markel Insurance, the insurance unit of Markel Group Inc., has announced a new divisional structure for its U.S. and Bermuda businesses, along with a series of leadership changes. The moves are effective immediately and follow the recent appointment of Simon Wilson as CEO.
The company stated the changes are part of a long-term plan aimed at simplifying its structure and supporting future growth by providing regional teams with more operational authority.
As part of the restructuring, Markel’s U.S. and Bermuda operations, which were previously operating under the Markel Specialty brand, have been divided into two new divisions.
The first, US Wholesale and Specialty, will oversee all U.S. specialty insurance distributed through the company's wholesale and retail channels. Wendy Houser has been appointed President of the division. Houser has been with Markel for 16 years, most recently as chief wholesale officer. She also serves on the board of the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association.
The second division, Programs and Solutions, will cover a range of business lines, including personal lines, Bermuda operations, surety, workers’ compensation, small commercial packages, program and alliance offerings, and Insurtech. Alex Martin, formerly president of Markel Specialty, will lead the division. Martin has been with the company for 19 years and has held positions across operations, underwriting, business development, strategy, and finance.
In addition to the divisional changes, Markel has made several leadership appointments.
Andrew McMellin has been named president of International, succeeding Wilson. McMellin joined Markel in 2022 and previously led the International Wholesale division. His background includes senior roles at Pioneer Underwriters and XL Catlin, with experience managing global specialty insurance portfolios.
Glenn Harris has been appointed chief commercial officer. In this role, he will work with trading partners and oversee strategic relationships. Harris has been with Markel for 15 years, most recently as managing executive of Global Distribution Strategies and Business Development.
Henry Gardener has been named chief risk officer. He will be responsible for the company’s risk oversight and framework. Gardener has been with Markel for 11 years and most recently served as senior managing director of Legal and chief risk officer, International.
The company described these changes as an effort to align leadership with its operational goals and to provide clearer focus across its business lines.
