Simon Wilson named CEO of Markel Insurance

Markel Group Inc. Monday named Simon Wilson CEO of Markel Insurance, which comprises its three main underwriting businesses: Markel Specialty, Markel International and Markel Global Reinsurance.

Mr. Wilson was previously president of Markel International and, prior to that, managing executive of global strategy for Markel. He joined the company in 2010 to spearhead its international business development.

The move is “part of a broader effort to sharpen the company’s customer focus,” Markel said in a statement.

Tom Gayner, CEO of Markel Group, said that the Richmond, Virginia-based insurer’s growth has been “impressive” but also brought “new challenges and unnecessary complexity, as confirmed by our ongoing Board-led business review.”

Jeremy Noble, president of Markel Insurance, will leave the company as a result of this leadership transition, Markel said.

Mr. Noble was named president of Markel’s insurance operations in 2022 when Mr. Gayner was named sole CEO. Prior to that, Mr. Noble was senior vice president and CFO.

With the leadership changes, National and Nephila leadership teams will now report directly into Markel Group, alongside Markel Insurance.

Separately, Markel Group said Anthony F. Markel, current board vice chairman, will not stand for reelection and will retire as a director at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in May.

Mr. Markel will take up the honorary position of Chairman Emeritus of the Board, Markel said.

Mr. Markel joined the insurer in 1964 after graduating from the University of Virginia, and was part of the leadership team that took the insurer public in 1986. He became president and chief operating officer in 1992. He joined the board in 1978 and became board vice chairman in 2009.

Jon Michael was appointed to Markel’s board of directors effective March 15. Mr. Michael was chairman of RLI Corp. from 2011 to 2024 and president and CEO from 2001 to 2021. He joined RLI in 1982.