Markel has named Wendy Houser its Chief Wholesale Officer and Sarah Gavlick its Chief Retail Officer for its Markel Specialty division.
Markel suggests that it has established these new positions to “address the unique needs of both its wholesale and retail business models.”
Houser first joined Markel in 2008, and most recently served as the Chief Territory Officer, West, for Markel Specialty, where she was responsible for overseeing underwriting and production for the western half of the US.
Before her promotion to that role in 2020, Houser served as Regional President of the Mid-South Region.
Meanwhile, Gavlick first joined Markel in 2004 and most recently served as the Chief Territory Officer, East, for Markel Specialty.
Here, Gavlick was responsible for overseeing underwriting and production for the eastern half of the US.
Before her promotion to that role in 2020, she served as Regional President of the Northeast Region.
Bryan Sanders, President of Markel Specialty, and to whom both will report, said, “Sarah Gavlick and Wendy Houser have been integral in shaping our current Specialty business model.
“I am looking forward to their continued leadership as we drive increased dedication, focus and accountability within both the wholesale and retail channels.”
Markel Specialty, the largest division within Markel’s insurance operations, writes business for insureds ranging from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 1000 companies in the US, Bermuda, the UK and the EU.
