Markel has announced a significant leadership change within its UK operations, with Neil Galjaard stepping down from his role as Managing Director of Markel UK. Lee Mooney has been named as his successor, pending regulatory approval, and is expected to take up the position by the end of June.
Galjaard has led the UK regional business since 2016, overseeing a period of impressive growth and performance. Under his leadership, Markel UK experienced a 200% increase in revenue and significant improvements in profitability. The company was also recognised as the top provider of service in the commercial lines market during his tenure.
A key achievement of Galjaard’s time at the helm was the creation and implementation of a five-year strategy aimed at enhancing Markel’s value to distribution partners and clients within the UK regional insurance landscape. His decision to step down was driven by personal considerations, acknowledging that he would be unable to commit to a full-time role for the duration of the newly outlined strategic plan.
Incoming Managing Director Lee Mooney brings over 25 years of industry experience, primarily from RSA, where he held a range of senior leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Managing Director of RSA UK&I’s commercial lines division, overseeing a portfolio worth more than £1 billion in premiums and leading a team of over 1,000 employees.
In his new position at Markel, Mooney will be based in Leeds and will report directly to Bjornstad.
The leadership transition coincides with a period of strong performance for the broader Markel Group. In 2021, the company reported a 194% surge in net income to $2.4 billion, alongside a 392% increase in underwriting profits, which reached $628 million.
