Markel continues marine and energy liability division expansion with new director

Markel has appointed Grant Smith (pictured above) as director of marine & energy liability for its international specialty division, effective immediately.

The company highlighted Smith’s appointment as part of Markel’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its international specialty underwriting capabilities, following the launch of its international specialty practice in December of last year.

Smith brings more than 17 years of experience in the liability insurance market, having held various underwriting and leadership roles. He joins Markel from QBE, where he most recently served as portfolio manager specialty for QBE European Operations, managing a wide portfolio of international marine business, including liability, hull, and P&I classes.

Before his time at QBE, Smith worked in underwriting roles across marine and aviation at Travelers, beginning his career in the industry.

In his new role, Smith will lead the marine & energy liability team within Markel’s international wholesale business. He will be tasked with driving growth initiatives that align with Markel’s long-term strategic goals. He will be based in London and will report to Tom Hillier, managing director of international specialty at Markel.

Hillier noted that clients are currently navigating a challenging environment due to economic inflation, changes in regulatory and legal frameworks, and emerging technological and climate-related liability risks.

Hillier also highlighted that when the specialty practice was established within Markel’s International Wholesale business last year, the company set ambitious goals for the marine & energy liability team, focused on achieving sustainable and profitable growth and establishing leadership in underwriting and service.

“I’m therefore delighted to welcome Grant on board to lead our marine & energy liability team. I’m confident his background and experience will position him to lead the team to deliver on our ambitious goals for this class of business and provide a superior service proposition to our clients and brokers,” he said.

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