Markel Adds Two Underwriters to London Marine and Energy Liability Team
Markel Group's London insurance operation has appointed Josephine Stroud as Head of Energy Liability and Jenny McFarlane as Senior Underwriter for Marine & Energy Liability. Stroud will handle underwriting across multiple insurance lines and oversee risk assessments, while McFarlane will focus on product development and broker relationships. Both roles are part of the Marine Transportation business led by Grant Smith, following its creation from several marine and transport portfolios.
Markel Insurance, part of Markel Group Inc., has placed Josephine Stroud and Jenny McFarlane in its London marine and energy liability unit. Stroud becomes Head of Energy Liability; McFarlane joins as Senior Underwriter – Marine & Energy Liability. Both are based in London and report within that team.
Stroud will handle multi-line, cross-class facilities alongside Rhys O'Neill, Head of Marine Liability, and work on risk evaluation and mitigation with brokers and distribution partners. McFarlane will help shape product wording, broker relationships and growth prospects while maintaining underwriting standards. Their unit sits in the Marine Transportation business led by Grant Smith, which combines Hull & Hull War, MECO, Marine & Energy Liabilities, and Transport & Logistics.
These appointments may affect insurance buyers in shipping, energy, transport and logistics by potentially improving access to specialist underwriting and broker support in London. Employees and brokers in these sectors could see more coordinated risk assessment and product development. The wider public may benefit indirectly if clearer coverage and risk mitigation support safer operations, though the immediate impact is likely limited to market participants and clients.