Markel adds trio to boost international casualty business

Markel has announced three key hires aimed at expanding its international casualty portfolio and bolstering its wholesale claims service for brokers.

Lauren Percival (pictured left) joined Markel as executive underwriter for general liability. In her new role, she will collaborate with general liability head James Murray to drive sustainable growth. Percival will also focus on identifying new opportunities for profitable expansion and maintaining high service standards for brokers and their clients.

With 18 years of experience in the London Market, Percival previously held senior underwriting roles at Arch Insurance International and Chaucer. Prior to that, she spent 13 years at QBE Europe, where she rose to senior underwriter within the international casualty division. Her expertise spans diverse regions, including South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Additionally, Markel brought in Olivia Hogan (pictured center) as senior underwriter. Hogan will work with Graeme Ivory, director of international casualty, to enhance the company’s environmental liability offering. The senior underwriter, who has 12 years of experience in the London Market, previously led AIG’s UK environmental line of business.

Lastly, Ed Norman was named international casualty claims manager. His responsibilities will include overseeing Markel’s international casualty claims operations and ensuring that brokers and policyholders receive responsive, customer-focused service.

Norman will also handle both complex and routine claims in key product areas such as general liability, environmental liability, and life sciences. He brings over 20 years of industry experience, having most recently served as assistant claims manager at AXA XL, where he led a team handling international wholesale casualty claims.

Commenting on the UK-based appointments, Ivory said: “We’re excited to welcome Lauren and Olivia to our growing international casualty underwriting team here in London.

“Their blended skillsets, industry knowledge, and experience of managing various international casualty product lines will significantly add to the bench strength we already have in the team and support us in our ambitions to further diversify our portfolios and enhance our service offering.”

Thomas Upton, head of claims for marine and energy, added: “As part of our claims value proposition, we’re continually investing in top-tier talent to make sure we deliver on our promise to provide a consistently excellent service for brokers and insureds.

“I’m therefore delighted that Ed will be joining as international casualty claims manager. His impressive background will be instrumental in supporting the international casualty underwriting team with developing bespoke insurance solutions, by resolving claims matters in an efficient and timely manner and keeping them abreast of important claims trends and developments.”

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