London, October 15th / PRNewswire / -- Markel Insurance (Under Markel Group Inc, NYSE : MKL's insurance business) announced on Wednesday that two key appointments have been made to its London marine and energy liability insurance underwriting team. Josephine Stroud has been appointed as the head of energy liability insurance, while Jenny McFarlane has joined as a senior underwriter for marine and energy liability insurance. The company stated that these two appointments will strengthen its underwriting team in the London market.
These two appointments follow closely on the establishment of the new maritime transportation (Marine Transportation) business in the London market by Markel. This business has integrated Hull & Hull War, MECO, Maritime and Energy Liability Insurance (M&E), as well as Transportation and Logistics, providing brokers with a broader range of underwriting expertise.
As the person in charge of energy liability insurance, Stroud will be responsible for underwriting multi-line, cross-category business arrangements. She will collaborate with the persons in charge of marine liability insurance, Rhys O and Neill, to drive further profit growth in the combination of marine and energy liability insurance. She will also be responsible for risk assessment and help to develop risk mitigation strategies. At the same time, she will work closely with brokers, distribution partners, and stakeholders to provide effective underwriting solutions for customers' constantly changing risk exposures.
In her new role, McFarlane will serve as a senior underwriter for marine and energy liability insurance, supporting the strategic development and continuous evolution of this product to ensure that clients continue to receive professional protection and support. She will assist in developing new policy wording, promote brokerage business collaboration, and seek growth opportunities, while maintaining underwriting discipline and providing high-level service.
Stroud and McFarlane are based in London and will report to the Marine and Energy Liability Insurance team, which is part of the marine transportation business led by Grant Smith.
Smith I am delighted to welcome Josephine and Jenny to join our growing team in marine and energy liability insurance. They both possess solid experience and enthusiasm in portfolio management, underwriting, data analysis, claims service, and customer relationship management. Our marine transportation business is built on technical expertise and precise execution, which is precisely the advantage that Josephine and Jenny bring to their new roles. With their addition, our marine and energy liability insurance business is now well-equipped to continue supporting our clients in an increasingly complex and volatile risk environment.
Stroud indicates that "the maritime and energy industries still face uncertainties, with increased geopolitical fluctuations, challenges to energy security, and disruptions to global shipping routes all having an impact. Against this backdrop, customers need tailored and innovative solutions supported by professional underwriting capabilities. I look forward to working closely with the underwriting team and brokers to continue providing consistent high-level services and to prioritizing meeting customer needs during periods of geopolitical instability."
McFarlane added, "I am very pleased to take on a new role in the Marine and Energy Liability Insurance team at Markel. I look forward to driving product innovation, strengthening relationships with brokers, and enhancing the client advocacy for Markel, to ensure that we continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients and the broader market."
Stroud has over 18 years of experience in liability insurance brokerage and underwriting. She has previously worked at Willis Towers Watson and is currently employed with AXA XL. At AXA XL, she is responsible for underwriting, risk assessment, and pricing for clients in the oil and gas industry as well as the energy transition sector.
McFarlane comes from Tokio Marine HCC International and has over 8 years of experience in the field of marine and energy liability insurance.
About Markel Insurance
We are Markel Insurance, a leading global professional insurance company that upholds a truly people-oriented philosophy. As an insurance business under Markel Group Inc. ( NYSE : MKL ), we utilize our extensive capabilities and expertise to provide intelligent solutions for the most complex professional insurance needs. However, what truly sets us apart globally is our employees and the deep and valuable relationships they build with their colleagues, brokers, and clients.
