Markel has announced that Grant Smith (pictured) will assume leadership of its transport and logistics team with immediate effect.
In his expanded role, Smith will oversee underwriting strategy for the division, focusing on sustainable, profitable growth and market share expansion. He will also lead product development and efforts to strengthen Markel’s position as a key player in transport and logistics insurance.
Smith will take on these responsibilities alongside his current role as director of marine and energy liabilities, a position he has held since August 2024. In addition, he will continue to report to Tom Hillier, Managing Director of International Specialty at Markel.
Smith brings over 17 years of experience in insurance underwriting and leadership roles within transport, logistics, and marine markets. Before joining Markel in 2024, he served as portfolio manager specialty at QBE European Operations, a position he held for a decade.
Prior to that, Smith worked as a marine and energy liability underwriter at QBE and spent five years in underwriting roles at Travelers, focusing on marine and aviation.
Hillier highlighted the challenges currently faced by transport and logistics companies, citing global economic contraction, geopolitical tensions, and evolving technological and regulatory risks.
“At times such as these, it’s crucial that companies have the right insurance partner who can help ensure they have comprehensive insurance cover in place that meets their evolving needs,” Hillier said.
Hillier expressed confidence in Smith's leadership and experience in underwriting transport and logistics classes, emphasising the role Smith will play in Markel’s efforts to support clients and brokers.
In other recent developments, Markel also expanded its marine cargo division with the appointment of David Pressman as senior underwriter.
Pressman oversees the expansion of Markel’s marine cargo portfolio in London, managing both new and renewal business. His responsibilities include maintaining high service standards for broker partners, identifying opportunities for scalable growth, and supporting the professional development of the marine cargo underwriting team.
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