Markel pushes insider to shape global strategy
Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group, has pushed an insider up the ladder to spearhead its global strategy team and corporate development activities. The insurer stated that his leadership will ensure Markel remains focused on the priorities and resources needed.
The insider joined Markel as managing director in 2023 before being lifted to its C-suite.
Phil Schmidt (pictured) has been appointed chief strategy officer and is based in Bermuda. He will lead the company’s global strategy team and engage with strategic initiatives and corporate development activities. Schmidt will also work closely across Markel and its State National and Nephila divisions on initiatives that address clients' risk management needs through the company’s platform - insurance, reinsurance, fronting and insurance-linked securities.
Prior to Markel, Schmidt served as managing director for Burg, a boutique investment bank providing M&A, fundraising and strategy consulting services. During his 13 years with Burg, he took on roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as chief investment and strategy officer for Babbel AG and senior vice president, strategy for Pearson PLC.
Jeremy Noble, president, Markel said: “Phil brings strong global and strategic credentials to the role of Chief Strategy Officer. He also has demonstrated a close alignment with Markel's people-driven culture, which we believe is an important asset. We are confident that his leadership of the Global Strategy team will keep Markel focused on the priorities and resources needed for industry leadership. I look forward to partnering with Phil in this work.”
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