Dan Thomas to lead Markel’s Marine Technical Claims

Markel, the insurance arm of global re/insurer Markel Group Inc., has appointed Dan Thomas as the Marine Technical Claims Lead, reporting to Tim Warren, Claims Manager, Marine Liability.

Additionally, the firm has bolstered its Wholesale Claims service with three promotions: Debbie Larkin as Claims Manager – Energy, Liability and Terrorism; Rachel Tighe as Claims Manager – Professional Indemnity; and Natalie Myhill will assume the role of Claims Manager– Financial Institutions.

All the appointed personnel are based in London. Tighe and Myhill will report to Jonathan Pestell, Head of Claims – Specialty, while Larkin reports to Thomas Upton, Head of Claims – Marine, Energy and Casualty.

In the new role, Thomas will work closely with underwriters by providing feedback on policy wordings and claims insights for renewal and new business. He will also build relationships with broker partners and collaborate with the business’ Actuarial and Outwards Reinsurance teams.

Thomas has over two decades of industry experience in the marine insurance sector, including marine liability, protection and indemnity, hull and machinery and war. Most recently, he was Head of Marine Claims at Helvetia Global Solutions UK. He previously worked for QBE European Operations/British Marine as Head of Technical Adjusting and Steamship Mutual P&I Club.

Warren commented, “Evolving risks, inflationary pressures and ongoing international supply chain disruptions are continuing to bring uncertainty and an increase in claims for marine insurers. Dan’s impressive background and technical expertise in handling complex claims will be of significant importance as we continue to support clients during these uncertain times through our best-in-class claims service and expertise. We look forward to seeing him take our claims service forward in 2025 and beyond.”

Chris O’Shea, Managing Director, International Claims, stated, “We’re also very excited to enhance our expertise with the addition of Dan Thomas. With the increased pressures from social inflation, litigious plaintiff bars and more complex operating environments, Markel has recognised the need to continue to evolve its claims service to best support our clients. The new Technical claims lead role and Dan’s experience will be invaluable in ensuring we can assist clients when they need us the most.”

Larkin, who has been with Markel for almost two years takes on responsibility for the businesses’ Upstream, Midstream and Downstream Energy claims. She will lead a team of claims handlers, maintaining fast response times to resolve claims matters and streamline processes. Previously, she managed claims for Energy, Liability and Terrorism business classes.

Meanwhile, Tighe’s principal duties will include managing the PI Wholesale Claims team, ensuring excellent claims service and closer broker interaction. Tighe joined Markel over five years ago, as a senior claims adjuster for Markel’s PI team, before progressing to Assistant Claims Manager–PI. She is a qualified solicitor with more than 14 years of experience in PI and insurance.

Myhill’s remit includes managing the FI Wholesale Claims team by helping resolve complex claims for FI and Fintech clients. She will also carry on building relationships with Markel’s broker network and collaborate with the organisation’s FI and Fintech underwriting teams. Myhill has 14 years of experience within the London and Lloyd’s markets, joining Markel in 2020 and serving as Senior Claims Adjuster and Assistant Claims Manager–FI. Before joining the organisation, she served at Sompo International as an AV, Senior Claims Examiner, where she specialised in the PI, D&O and FI.

Myhill and Tighe are co-founders of Markel’s and DAC Beachcroft’s joint initiative ‘Mentoring the Market (MTM)’, launched five years ago to support knowledge transfer and professional development among claims and legal professionals within the insurance sphere. “It is their positive contributions both inside and outside of Markel which have led to Myhill and Tighe’s recent appointments,” explained the firm.

O’Shea added, “Increasing geopolitical tensions, combined with ongoing regulatory and technological developments, are spearheading the demand for insurance cover and a more technical and pragmatic approach to settling claims disputes across various shorttail and longtail lines.

“Throughout their career journeys at Markel, Debbie, Rachel and Natalie have demonstrated exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and delivered a best-in-class service for broker partners, particularly in light of the economic headwinds that the insurance market will continue to face into the future.

“With their deep sector knowledge and expertise, I’m looking forward to seeing them elevate Markel’s Wholesale Claims operation by leading their respective teams and continuing to deliver a nimble and value add service as we position ourselves for further profitable growth.”

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