Markel, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc., has appointed Jennifer Gebran as Head of Casualty for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Based in Dubai, Gebran will be responsible for developing the region’s casualty underwriting strategy – one centred on enhanced underwriting capabilities and the delivery of profitable growth.
As part of her role, she will also aim to develop stronger relationships with new and existing brokers, other distribution partners and clients, to help establish Markel as a market leader for casualty underwriting in the MENA region.
According to Markel Gebran will play a key role in supporting the company’s plans to strategically expand its footprint in the MENA region, by establishing a strong onshore presence with a highly experienced and empowered underwriting team.
Her appointment follows the formation of a new International Casualty team within the Specialty division last year, led by Graeme Ivory, Director of International Casualty.
She will report to Max Robbie, Senior Executive Officer at Markel, Dubai, who commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Jennifer to the team. Companies across the MENA region face a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and responding to these requires a deep understanding of the local business environment.
“I’m confident that Jennifer’s knowledge of the local market, along with her excellent relationships and connections in the region, will be a huge asset to our business, particularly as we continue to expand our International Casualty portfolio to meet the specific needs of our MENA clients.”
Gebran brings 13 years of underwriting experience, specialising in the Gulf, Middle East and North Africa, as well as a wealth of expertise in the casualty and contingency facultative reinsurance sector.
Prior to joining Markel she served as Assistant Vice President in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance.
Before that, Gebran spent 11 years with Liberty Specialty Markets, where she progressed from Underwriting Assistant to Assistant Vice President.
Some of her principal duties during her tenure at Liberty included managing underwriters and spearheading growth initiatives into new geographies, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and North Africa. She began her underwriting career at Jardine Lloyd Thompson in 2008.
