Markel, the insurance operations arm within the Markel Group Inc., has appointed Phil Schmidt as Chief Strategy Officer, effective immediately.
Schmidt’s remit in the role will include leading Markel’s Global Strategy team, based in Bermuda. He’s also responsible for engaging with major strategic initiatives and corporate development activities pursued across Markel globally.
Additionally, he will work closely across Markel and its State National and Nephila divisions on initiatives addressing clients’ complex risk management needs by leveraging the power of the company’s platform throughout insurance, reinsurance, fronting and insurance-linked securities.
Schmidt joined Markel in October 2023 as a Managing Director.
Before Markel, he served as Managing Director for Burg, a boutique investment bank providing M&A, fundraising and strategy consulting services.
Throughout his 13 years with Burg, he took on roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Chief Investment and Strategy Officer for Babbel AG, and as the Senior Vice President, Strategy for Pearson PLC.
Jeremy Noble, President, Markel, commented on the appointment, “Phil brings strong global and strategic credentials to the role of Chief Strategy Officer.
“He also has demonstrated a close alignment with Markel’s people-driven culture, which we believe is an important asset. We are confident that his leadership of the Global Strategy team will keep Markel focused on the priorities and resources needed for industry leadership. I look forward to partnering with Phil in this work.”
