London, October 15th / PRNewswire / -- Markel Group Inc. ( NYSE : MKL ) Its insurance business Markel Insurance announced today two key appointments to its London maritime and energy liability underwriting team. Josephine Stroud has been appointed as the head of energy liability, while Jenny McFarlane has joined as a senior underwriter for maritime and energy liability. Both appointments will strengthen Markel's underwriting team in the London market.
These two appointments follow closely on the establishment of a new maritime transportation business in the London market by Markel. This business has integrated Hull & Hull War, MECO, Maritime and Energy Responsibility (M&E), as well as Transportation and Logistics, enabling brokers to have broader access to the underwriting expertise within these business segments.
As the head of energy liability, Stroud will be responsible for underwriting projects involving multiple types of risks and across various categories. She will collaborate with the head of marine liability, Rhys O, and Neill to drive further profit growth in the combination of marine and energy liabilities. She will also be in charge of risk assessment and help develop risk mitigation strategies. Moreover, she will work closely with brokers, distribution partners, and stakeholders to continue providing effective underwriting solutions for customers' ever-changing risk exposures.
In her new role as a Senior Underwriter, McFarlane will support the strategic development and continuous evolution of marine and energy liability products, ensuring that clients continue to receive professional protection and support. She will assist in drafting new policy documents, promote interaction with brokers, and identify growth opportunities, while maintaining underwriting discipline and providing high-level service.
Stroud and McFarlane are based in London and will report to the Maritime and Energy Responsibility Team, which is part of the maritime transportation business led by Grant Smith.
Smith expresses: "I am very pleased to welcome Josephine and Jenny to join our growing team dedicated to maritime and energy responsibilities. They possess solid professional skills and enthusiasm in areas such as portfolio management, underwriting, data analysis, claims processing, and customer relationship management. Our maritime 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 maritime and energy responsibility business is now well-equipped to continue providing support as customers face an increasingly complex and volatile risk environment."
Stroud indicates that "the maritime and energy industries continue to face uncertainties, with increased geopolitical fluctuations, challenges to energy security, and disruptions to global shipping routes being driving factors. In this context, customers need tailored and innovative solutions supported by professional underwriting experience. I look forward to working closely with our underwriting team and brokers to continue providing consistent high-level services and to prioritizing the needs of our customers during periods of geopolitical instability."
McFarlane added, "I am very pleased to take on the new role of Senior Underwriter in Markel's Marine and Energy Liability team. I look forward to driving product innovation, strengthening relationships with brokers, and enhancing the value proposition for Markel's customers, 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 responsible brokerage and underwriting. She has previously worked at Willis Towers Watson and most recently at AXA XL. At AXA XL, she was responsible for underwriting, risk assessment, and pricing for clients in the oil and gas industry as well as those involved in energy transition.
McFarlane originates from Tokio Marine HCC International and possesses over 8 years of experience in maritime transportation and energy responsibility.
About Markel Insurance
We are Markel Insurance, a leading global professional insurance company that always adheres to a people-oriented approach. As an insurance business under Markel Group Inc ( NYSE : MKL ), we utilize our extensive capabilities and expertise to create 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.
