Markel Expands UK Broker-Facing Teams
Markel has strategically enhanced its broker-facing teams across the UK with several new appointments, reinforcing its dedication to profitable growth and consistent service delivery across its broker network. In the southern region of England, Chris Dunn has been appointed as the development underwriter for South West England and South Wales. Elaine Holland steps into the role of South business development manager, while James Fone assumes the position of South key account director.
Dunn brings over 15 years of professional indemnity expertise from his previous role as a senior trading underwriter at RSA. Holland’s experience includes development roles at NIG and Paragon Personal Finance, while Fone offers a robust background in key account management from his tenure at Travelers and HSB Engineering.
In Northern England, Vickie Rhodes has joined as North West business development manager, Paul Cuddihy as North key account director, and Laurie Witts as renewals team manager. Rhodes, working between Leeds and Manchester, brings valuable experience from Altea, Marsh, and Gallagher. Cuddihy, based in Manchester, has held roles at RSA, HSB Engineering, and Allianz. Witts, operating from Leeds, joins with over a decade of renewals and retention experience from Hiscox, Direct Asia Insurance, and Towergate.
In Birmingham, Joe McMurrough has been appointed as senior construction underwriter, tasked with expanding the construction portfolio, while Brad Thomas has joined as broker development manager – network. McMurrough’s background includes underwriting positions at QBE and Chubb, while Thomas has experience with Ecclesiastical and 1st Choice Insurance. Earlier this month, Erik Johnson was appointed head of technical underwriting and oversight at Markel.
Quick Ralf & Grant Appoints New Head of Europe
Lloyd’s broker and specialist insurance group, Quick Ralf & Grant (QRG), has appointed Dennis Gattinger as head of Europe, who will be based in Barcelona and report directly to CEO Robert Ralf. Gattinger was most recently head of distribution at Alta Signa, a Europe-wide specialist MGA, and has previously held senior roles at ANV and Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe.
Qlaims Limited Welcomes New Non-Executive Director
UK-based managing general agent, Qlaims Limited, has appointed Tom Bartleet as a non-executive director. Bartleet brings over three decades of experience in the UK general insurance market, beginning his career at Willis in 1992 before acquiring Chesham Insurance Brokers in 2012. He later rebranded the firm as Erskine Murray Insurance Brokers in 2016 and, as CEO, spearheaded several acquisitions, including Offley Insurance Brokers and Asciak Holdaway Merritt. By 2020, Erskine Murray was sold to PIB Group Ltd, with the firm employing over 90 staff across multiple sites.
Westfield Specialty International Expands Reinsurance Capabilities
Westfield Specialty International has bolstered its reinsurance team with the appointment of Nate Field as class underwriter for casualty treaty reinsurance, based in London. Field joins from RenaissanceRe, where he served as senior treaty underwriter, bringing nearly 15 years of reinsurance sector experience. Earlier this year, Westfield Specialty International also announced two senior appointments: Pete Stephens as head of the professional indemnity team and Hattie Hassall as a senior PI underwriter.
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