London – October 15, 2026 -- Markel Insurance, the insurance arm of Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), has appointed Josephine Stroud as Head of Energy Liability and Jenny McFarlane as Senior Underwriter for Marine & Energy Liability in its London Market team.
Markel brings Hull, MECO, Liabilities and Transport & Logistics under one Marine Transportation unit
Both hires follow the creation of Markel's Marine Transportation business within its London Market operations. The unit combines Hull & Hull War, MECO, Marine & Energy Liabilities (M&E), and Transport & Logistics. Markel says the structure gives brokers broader access to underwriting expertise across these portfolios.
Stroud and McFarlane are based in London and report into the Marine & Energy Liability team, part of the Marine Transportation business led by Grant Smith.
Stroud to underwrite multi-line, cross-class energy facilities alongside Rhys O'Neill
Stroud will underwrite multi-line, cross-class facilities and work with Rhys O'Neill, Head of Marine Liability, to drive profitable growth across the Marine & Energy Liability portfolio. She will oversee risk assessments and help develop risk mitigation strategies, working with brokers, distribution partners and stakeholders.
She brings more than 18 years' experience in liability broking and underwriting, including time at Willis Towers Watson and, most recently, AXA XL. At AXA XL, she handled underwriting, risk assessment and pricing for clients in the oil and gas sector and the energy transition.
McFarlane, from Tokio Marine HCC International, to develop new wordings and broker engagement
McFarlane joins from Tokio Marine HCC International with more than eight years' experience in Marine & Energy Liability. She will support the strategic development of the product offering and help develop new wordings. Her remit also covers driving broker engagement and identifying growth opportunities while maintaining underwriting discipline and high service levels.
Geopolitical volatility and shipping disruption drive demand for specialist cover
Stroud said the marine and energy industries face uncertainty from heightened geopolitical volatility, energy security challenges and disruption to global shipping routes. She said clients need tailored solutions backed by specialist underwriting expertise.
Smith said the appointments leave the Marine & Energy Liability operation well placed to support clients in an increasingly complex and volatile risk landscape. He cited the pair's expertise in portfolio management, underwriting, data analysis, claims service and client relationship management.