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Markel reorganizes surplus lines, specialty divisions

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Bryan Sanders

Markel Corp. announced Monday it will merge its surplus lines and complex account division Markel Assurance with its specialty risk division.

The combined unit will be called Markel Specialty and headed by Bryan Sanders as president of the division. Previously, he was president, U.S. insurance at the Richmond, Virginia-based insurer.

The move comes about two and a half years after Markel announced the merger of its excess and surplus lines division with its complex risk division to form Markel Assurance.

Prior to the latest division merger, Markel Assurance included wholesale-focused underwriting teams with teams concentrating on complex, risk managed retail accounts, a Markel spokeswoman said in an email.

Markel Specialty covered commercial policyholders, such as camps, schools, childcare centers and business owners, and individuals, she said. Insurance offered included workers compensation, property/casualty, accident, specialty programs and personal lines.

Following the changes, Markel's insurance operations will operate under two divisions: specialty and international. In addition, Markel has divisions covering reinsurance, insurance-linked securities and program services, according to the insurer's organization chart. 

The insurer announced several other job changes as a result of the reorganization.

Wendy Houser and Sarah Gavlick were named to the newly created positions of executive territory officers. Ms. Houser, who previously was regional president for Markel Assurance’s midsouth region, will oversee the West region. Ms. Gavlick, who was regional president for the unit’s Northeast region, will oversee the East.

In addition, Alison Burgess was named regional president for the Northeast, and Daniel Kennedy was named regional president for the midsouth, effective April 1. Previously, Ms. Burgess was senior director of underwriting and production, management and professional liability for the Northeast. Mr. Kennedy was managing director responsible for Markel Specialty’s commercial sales.