Markel Group Inc. has announced the appointment of Simon Wilson, currently President of Markel International, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company’s three primary underwriting businesses—Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance—collectively referred to as Markel Insurance.
Wilson brings over two decades of experience scaling operations in large specialty insurance organisations to his new role.
He joined Markel in 2010 as Director of International Development and later served as Managing Director of National Markets, overseeing Markel’s operations in Europe and Canada.
In January 2020, Wilson was appointed Managing Executive of Global Strategy, where he directly supported all underwriting operations. He became President of Markel International in October 2021, driving a nearly 40% increase in gross written premiums and a more than 250% rise in net underwriting profit.
Before joining Markel, Wilson led the Lloyd’s Asia platform in Singapore.
Tom Gayner, CEO of Markel Group, said, “Simon is a proven leader with extensive insurance expertise, and his leadership approach aligns with both the Markel Style and our current needs.
“Markel’s growth has been impressive, but it also brought new challenges and unnecessary complexity, as confirmed by our ongoing Board-led business review. At times, we unintentionally made it harder for our people to serve our customers. I’m confident in Simon’s vision for growing this fortress of an insurance business through teams that are focused on serving the customers and markets that they know best.”
Commenting on his new role, Wilson said, “I am deeply honoured by this opportunity.
“Markel is at its best when our leaders are given equal parts empowerment and accountability. Our work going forward will ensure that we make decisions as close to the customer as possible, reduce complexity, and restore our commitment to being a market leader in each of our pursuits.”
As part of this leadership transition, Jeremy Noble, President of Insurance at Markel, will be leaving the company.
Gayner added, “I’ve worked alongside Jeremy for more than 20 years and am immensely grateful for his relentless efforts on behalf of the business, in particular during the past few years as he worked to strengthen the foundation of our insurance operations.”
Additionally, the Group announced that Anthony F. (Tony) Markel, Vice Chairman of the Board, will not stand for re-election at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in May 2025. He will retire as a director and assume the honorary position of Chairman Emeritus of the Board.
Steve Markel, Chairman of the Board, stated, “Tony is larger than life and it would be hard to overstate his impact on this company.
“He was not just a highly effective operator and leader, he was the heartbeat of Markel with an unmatched ability to motivate and connect with people. I’m grateful to have had the chance to work alongside Tony for so many years.”
Tony Markel added, “In spite of the fact that my meteoric rise to the top of Markel was a blatant example of nepotism, I am extremely proud to have been a part of the growth and success of this organization over the last 61 years.
“I am equally proud of the Markel Style, a unique and distinct culture that has, and continues, to attract and guide some of the finest people in the insurance industry and the various industries served by our other Markel Group companies. It truly has been an honor and privilege to have worked with you and number you as friends.”
Markel also announced the appointment of Jon Michael to its Board of Directors, effective March 15, 2025.
Michael is a veteran specialty insurance leader with more than 40 years of experience. He served as Chairman and CEO of RLI Corp. after joining the company in 1982 and held various leadership roles, including President & Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer.
Tony Markel commented, “As I end my official tenure at Markel, I am extremely enthused about the addition of Jon Michael to the Board.
“Jon brings experienced leadership in the specialty insurance sector that I think will prove to be invaluable in the next chapter of the Markel story.”
Steve Markel added, “Jon is a well-respected and proven specialty insurance industry leader who shares the values in the Markel Style.
“His deep financial and operational expertise will be very useful through the remainder of our Board-led business review, and his insights and long-term orientation will serve us well as we continue to grow Markel Group in the years ahead.”
“Markel Group is a company that feels like home,” said Michael. “Great people, strong values, and so much opportunity for continued growth. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to define the next chapter of Markel Group’s success.”
