Markel names Tom Hillier as CUO for international operations

Roles of Wholesale and National Markets managing directors will be removed.

Markel Insurance has appointed Tom Hillier as Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO) for its international operations.

Hillier, who joined Markel in 2023 as managing director for Specialty, will oversee underwriting strategy and governance across international markets. 

He previously held senior roles at Brit Insurance and has over 20 years of industry experience.

The insurer will also reorganise from two divisions—Wholesale and National Markets—into five regional businesses covering Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, London Market, and UK. 

Each unit will have greater independence to manage local operations.

The London Market unit will combine Marine & Energy, PFR & Cyber, and Specialty under one leadership team. Recruitment for a managing director is underway.

All five regional heads and the new CUO will report to Andrew McMellin, President of Markel International. 

As part of the changes, the roles of Wholesale and National Markets managing directors will be removed, with Henrik Bjørnstad set to leave the company by year-end.