Markel Insurance, the insurance division of Markel Group Inc., has announced the appointment of Tom Hillier as its new chief underwriting officer (CUO), alongside a major restructuring of its international operations designed to support the company’s next phase of growth.
By the end of 2025, Markel will transition from its current two-division model — Wholesale and National Markets — to five distinct regional businesses: Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, London Market, and the UK.
The new structure is intended to streamline decision-making, strengthen customer focus, and provide each business with greater flexibility to scale and tailor its strategy to local market needs.
Under the revised framework, the London Market business will consolidate Markel International’s marine & energy, PFR & cyber, and specialty portfolios under a unified leadership team. The company will soon launch an open search for a managing director of the London Market, who will be tasked with advancing Markel’s presence within Lloyd’s and the broader London market.
As CUO, Hillier will oversee underwriting strategy and governance across Markel’s international businesses. He will work closely with regional leaders to enhance underwriting discipline, drive profitable growth, and strengthen relationships with brokers and managing general agents (MGAs).
Hillier brings over 20 years of insurance industry experience to the role. Since joining Markel in December 2023, he has served as managing director – specialty, where he established the company’s Specialty practice within its International Wholesale division. Before Markel, he was managing director of specialty at Brit Insurance, holding various senior underwriting roles across property and casualty lines.
All five regional businesses, along with the CUO position, will report to Andrew McMellin, president of Markel International.
As part of the transition, the roles of managing director – wholesale and managing director – national markets will be phased out. Henrik Bjørnstad, current managing director of National Markets, will leave the company at the end of the year.
