Markel swoops for fine art head

Markel swoops for fine art head | Insurance Business America

Insurance News

Markel swoops for fine art head

New arrival joins New York office

Insurance News

By
Terry Gangcuangco

Markel has appointed Kyle McGrath (pictured) as head of fine art for North America, effective immediately.

Joining Markel’s growing North American fine art business, McGrath brings over 12 years of industry experience in underwriting, business strategy, and broking. She previously worked at Private Client Select (formerly AIG Private Client Group) as vice president – head of fine art and collections.

McGrath’s credentials also include time spent serving in senior roles in AXA XL’s North American fine art and specie team and global chief underwriting office.

At Markel, McGrath will oversee the strategic and profitable growth of the fine art class of business in North America. She will be responsible for shaping the regional underwriting strategy and boosting the unit’s product offerings and footprint in the fine art insurance market.

McGrath will work closely with the fine art underwriting team in the US. The new head will operate from the New York office and report to London-based marine director Dan McCarthy.

Commenting on the appointment, McCarthy stated: “The global fine art insurance market is expanding, driven largely by an increase in the individual and institutional collector base in the US. Meanwhile, rising art valuations and a changing risk landscape for collectors make having the right risk and insurance partner more important than ever before.

“I’m therefore delighted to welcome Kyle to Markel. Her knowledge and experience of working in the fine art insurance market will be of enormous benefit to our existing clients as we support them in meeting their specific risk(s) and insurance needs.

“At the same time, we see significant potential for profitable growth in this space. I’m confident that Kyle has the right leadership qualities to develop our regional fine art team and insurance offering and enhance our reputation as we look to become a leading fine art and specie insurer in North America.”

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