Markel Insurance, the insurance business of Markel Group Inc., has appointed John Riley as Senior Claims Adjuster – Financial Institutions, effective immediately.
His appointment supports the transition of the remaining Commercial Directors & Officers (D&O) claims into an enlarged FIDO claims team, while also strengthening resources as Markel’s financial institutions claims portfolio continues to grow.
The change is designed to provide brokers and clients with a more efficient and consistent claims experience.
In his new role, Riley will manage a wide spectrum of financial institutions and management liability claims across the UK and internationally. He will ensure that claims are handled in accordance with Markel’s Claims Value Proposition, which outlines the company’s commitment to delivering high standards of service to clients worldwide.
Riley will collaborate closely with managing agents and external service providers to support the delivery of claims management across several jurisdictions, guiding matters from initial notification through to resolution.
He will also work alongside the financial institutions and D&O underwriting teams, contributing to policy wording discussions to help maintain tailored risk transfer solutions for clients. In addition, he will provide guidance and mentorship to claims handlers within the team.
Based in London, Riley reports to Natalie Myhill, Claims Manager – Financial Institutions & Fintech, within the Professional and Financial Risks (PFR) claims team at Markel, led by Jonathan Pestell, Head of Claims – PFR & Cyber.
Riley brings more than 25 years of experience managing financial institutions and D&O claims in the London Market. During his career, he has handled complex matters spanning multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, US, South America, Europe and Israel, often involving cross-border investigations, shareholder activism and regulatory issues.
Most recently, he served as Senior Adjuster at Starr Underwriting Agents. Before that, he worked at Aon UK, where he acted as a referral point for financial lines claims, focusing on D&O and contributing to a range of internal initiatives.
Pestell added: “I’m delighted to welcome John Riley to the Professional and Financial Risks Claims team. John has a proven track record of delivering strong outcomes in the London Market, using his deep technical expertise to resolve complex FI and D&O matters.
“At a time when the claims landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic – driven by heightened regulatory scrutiny, cross-border exposures and evolving management liability risks – John’s experience and judgement are particularly valuable. His extensive network of brokers, co-insurers and insureds will further strengthen our capabilities as we continue to grow our FI and Fintech portfolios.”
