Markel Insurance has split its US and Bermuda operations into two divisions.

The changes follow the appointment of Simon Wilson as chief executive of Markel Insurance in March and are part of a long-term strategy to simplify and grow the business by giving local teams a greater degree of empowerment and accountability to serve the needs of their customers, the company said.

"The best way to profitably grow a specialised and diversified business like ours is to equip and empower our local experts to serve the needs of the customers that they know best," Mr Wilson said. "These changes are an initial step to ensure that we have the divisional structure and leaders in place to do just that."

Markel's US and Bermuda operations, previously known as Markel Specialty, will now be divided into two business divisions.

Wendy Houser, president of US Wholesale and Specialty, will lead the team responsible specifically for all the business that flows through the company's core wholesale and retail channels.

Meanwhile, the Programmes and Solutions division will include Markel's personal lines, Bermuda, surety, workers' compensation, small commercial general package, programmes and alliances and insurtech businesses.

Markel said this stand-alone division will enable the company to increase its focus on, and investment in, these specialised businesses that have been proven winners over time.

Alex Martin, formerly president of Markel Specialty, will lead this division as president.

He has been with Markel for 19 years, during which he held leadership positions in operations, underwriting, business development, strategy and finance.

In addition, Andrew McMellin has been appointed president, International, succeeding Mr Wilson, who was appointed to lead Markel Insurance last month.

The company said: “Mr McMellin is a highly experienced and respected insurance executive, who has led Markel's International Wholesale division since joining the company in early 2022.

“Under his leadership, the International Wholesale team increased gross written premium by 43 per cent and underwriting profit by 214 per cent.

“Mr McMellin brings more than 35 years of experience in specialty insurance to the role, including chief executive roles at Pioneer Underwriters and XL Catlin. He has experience managing multibillion-dollar portfolios of specialty product lines and a track record of accelerating growth in new and existing markets, including Asia.

“Glenn Harris has been appointed chief commercial officer. In this role, Mr Harris will ensure the voice of the customer has a constant place at the leadership table by co-ordinating with major trading partners to develop and maintain key strategic relationships.

“He has been with Markel for 15 years in a range of business development roles, most recently as managing executive, Global Distribution Strategies and Business Development.

“Henry Gardener has been appointed chief risk officer. In this role, Mr Gardener will deliver a risk culture that matches Markel's business ambition, centred around evaluating and taking the right risks to drive the business forward. He has been with Markel for 11 years, most recently serving as senior managing director of Legal and chief risk officer, International.”