Markel unveils head of claims in Australia

Markel unveils head of claims in Australia | Insurance Business Australia

Insurance News

Markel unveils head of claims in Australia

Move marks completion of Australian leadership line-up

Insurance News

By
Roxanne Libatique

Markel, the insurance arm of Markel Group Inc., has finalised its leadership roster in Australia by appointing Lisa Mitchell as head of claims.

Bringing with her a wealth of experience, Mitchell (pictured) moved to Markel from AIG, where she dedicated over a decade to claims specialisation, culminating in her role as technical lead for financial lines. With a professional journey spanning more than 20 years across global insurance entities in both the UK and Australia, Mitchell has a profound understanding of efficiently managing high-value and intricate claims.

New head of claims

Based in Melbourne, Mitchell will operate under the guidance of Markel managing director Rory Morison.

“We are very pleased to welcome Lisa to the team. The appointment of an industry leader as our head of claims demonstrates Markel’s commitment to building a strong and proven team in the Australian market. This will also enable our underwriting and claims teams to work together to develop our local offering,” Morison said.

Markel wholesale claims director Chris O’Shea added: “Lisa’s expertise in claims handling is a valuable addition to Markel in Australia. The ability to service claims locally is an important part of our Australian expansion, and Lisa will focus on working with insureds to achieve the best outcomes.”

Markel’s recent establishment of offices in key Australian hubs – Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney – signifies the successful completion of the initial phase in the company’s venture into the Australian market. The local teams for casualty, professional and financial risk, and claims are now fully operational.

Markel’s expansion strategy in Australia aligns with its proven approach in international markets, focusing on establishing a robust onshore presence with a highly skilled and empowered underwriting team. The initial product offering encompasses casualty, professional indemnity, and directors & officers products, with plans for additional lines as the organisation further solidifies its foothold in the local landscape.

“We are establishing a long-term presence here that will enable us to be a reliable partner for local brokers. With our people and processes in place, I look forward to accelerating our broker partnerships in 2024,” Morison said.