A Deep Dive into Markel’s US Wholesale & Specialty Division
Joanna Browning on last year's Insurance Panel at Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond.
In 2025, Markel Insurance took a series of strategic actions to improve its insurance operations, including: appointing new leadership, reorganizing into new operating divisions, exiting Reinsurance, streamlining the organizational model, moving claims closer to underwriters, federating much of shared services back into P&L centers, and creating better accountability closer to the customer.
All of this was aimed at driving a better experience for our customers and solidifying Markel's reputation as one of the preeminent insurance companies in the world.
The U.S. Wholesale & Specialty division is playing a central role in these designed improvements.
On May 20, for the 2026 Insurance Panel, as part of "The Spirit of Teamwork" Reunion, you'll hear directly from some of the leaders at the very center of this important work.
The conversation will be honest about where things stood, the decisions that've been made, where we are in the journey, and what comes next.
The Wholesale & Specialty business has a clear plan and a proven and focused leadership team. They are making strategic investments — including in technology — to better serve their customers and channel partners with improved and faster service.
If you want to understand this part of Markel Group — where it's been, what's changing, and why the team believes in where it's going — this is not one to miss.
The panel will feature four leaders who together represent the full breadth of Markel's U.S. Wholesale & Specialty operation:
The Insurance Panel will run from 10:10–10:55 a.m. and follows the Leadership at Markel Group panel at 9:05 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast available. You do not need to be a Markel Group shareholder to attend — but you do need to be registered.
Date · Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Time · 10:10 – 10:55 a.m.
Location · Modlin Center for the Arts, University of Richmond
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. · Breakfast provided · Registration required