Markel executive chairman Alan Kirshner announces retirement

Markel Corp. said Wednesday that executive chairman and chairman of the board Alan I. Kirshner will retire at the company’s May 11, 2020, annual shareholder meeting as director and company officer, and be succeeded as board chairman by Steven A. Markel.

Mr. Markel is now a board member and vice chairman of the company, according to the statement issued by the Richmond, Virginia-based company.

Mr. Kirshner joined Markel in 1960, its board in 1978 and became board chairman and CEO in 1986, the same year Markel became a public company, said the statement. He served as CEO through 2015 and became executive chairman in 2016. 

Mr. Kirshner said in a statement he will be celebrating both his 85th birthday and 60th anniversary at Markel this coming year and these milestones “mark the perfect time for me to retire.”

Mr. Markel joined Markel in 1965 and has been a member of its senior leadership team since 1986, with focus on finance and investments. He has been a company director since 1978 and vice chairman since 1992.

Markel Corp. said earlier this month that Terry Ledbetter, chairman and CEO of its State National division, will retire at the end of this year and be succeeded by State National President Matthew Freeman.