Markel overhauls leadership; hires ex-Chubb COO to accelerate growth

Specialist insurer Markel Corporation has overhauled its leadership structure and hired a Chubb executive as part of this as it looks to accelerate growth.

Robert Cox has been appointed to the newly created position of president and chief operating officer (COO) to oversee all insurance operations.

Cox was previously executive vice president and COO for Chubb where he led worldwide operations of Chubb Specialty Insurance. During his career, he held several executive positions in all areas of specialty and commercial property and casualty insurance.

In his new role focused on integrating Markel's insurance operations, Cox will oversee all insurance divisions including Markel Assurance, Markel Specialty, and Markel International, in addition to sales and marketing. Cox will report to Richie Whitt, co-chief executive officer.

Furthermore, Markel has also promoted Brad Kiscaden to president and chief administrative officer, and Bryan Sanders to president, US insurance. All the leadership changes will be effective September 5.

As a team, Cox, Kiscaden, Sanders, and William Stovin, president of Markel International, will provide executive leadership and oversight of insurance operations.

"The addition of Bob to our executive leadership team and the promotions of Brad and Bryan strengthen our focus on profitable growth and delivering the best value and services for our customers," said Whitt. "These moves will accelerate our ability to deliver on these goals."

"We are excited to welcome Bob to Markel, and we are confident his diverse background will be a tremendous asset to our company," said Whitt. "We look forward to Bob's abilities to lead and grow Markel's insurance operations."

Kiscaden has been executive vice president and chief actuarial officer since 2012. He joined Markel in 1986 and has served in a variety of leadership positions. In his new role, Kiscaden will continue to report to Whitt and oversee global actuarial operations, catastrophe management, information technology, information management, underwriting product line leadership, and claims.

Sanders has been president of the Markel Assurance division since 2017. Prior to that, he was president of Markel Wholesale. In his new role, Sanders will report to Cox and oversee the Markel Assurance and Markel Specialty divisions. He joined Markel in 2013 as part of the Alterra acquisition.

Whitt added: "Brad's experience with Markel has given him a deep understanding of our operations across the globe, and he has played a critical role in a number of key initiatives to grow the business. Brad's commitment, leadership, and extensive knowledge of our organization make him the ideal candidate for this important role.

"Bryan has built relationships and a level of expertise that has proven invaluable for our production partners and customers. He has played an integral role in helping Markel maintain its leadership position and increase our market presence in both the wholesale and retail marketplace. I know that he will continue to move us forward in leading the Markel Assurance and Markel Specialty divisions."

Make sure you are GDPR compliant and  confirm your email address to keep getting our daily emails

More of today's news

Fairfax mulls Advent-Brit synergies at Lloyd’s as it faces 'considerable challenges'

Cat models are accurate – as long as the hurricane is ‘conventional’

Market M&A drives MGA growth as entrepreneurs form start-ups

Everest promotes from within for chief claims officer

RSA appoints new head of Dubai operations

LIIBA forms new delegated authority group focused on LM TOM

Stonybrook appoints former AIG as COO, general counsel

Don't miss our insurtech email newsletter - sign up today