Markel Insurance Appoints Grant Smith as New Director of Marine Transportation

Grant Smith will lead Markel International's new Marine Transportation business.

He will bring together the company's Hull & Hull War, MECO, Marine & Energy Liabilities, and Transport & Logistics businesses under one leadership team. This will help provide better support and more connected services to brokers and clients.

In his new role, Smith will oversee the business strategy across different markets and insurance areas. He will also work to improve underwriting, streamline processes, and deliver better insurance solutions.

Smith will work closely with brokers, clients, industry organizations, and Markel's Claims and Actuarial teams. His goal will be to strengthen risk assessment and improve underwriting as marine and transportation risks continue to change.

McCarthy commented: "The marine transportation industry is facing heightened risk exposures, from increasing supply chain disruptions to rising thefts at ports as geopolitical tensions escalate worldwide.

"As these risks become more interconnected, it's increasingly important that brokers and clients can access expertise across the full spectrum of marine and transportation exposures. Bringing these capabilities together under a single leadership structure will help us provide deeper insight, more coordinated solutions and a stronger experience for our trading partners.

"Grant has made a significant contribution since joining Markel in 2024. His experience across marine specialty lines makes him exceptionally well placed to lead this business and support our clients and brokers navigate a rapidly evolving operating environment."

Smith added: "I'm delighted to be taking on the role of Director of Marine Transportation at Markel International. By bringing our marine and transportation capabilities closer together, we have an opportunity to offer clients and brokers more connected expertise across increasingly complex risks, while continuing to build on Markel's long-standing reputation for disciplined underwriting and strong service."

Markel Insurance is a leading global specialty insurance company and part of Markel Group Inc. The company provides insurance solutions for complex and specialized risks by using its wide range of expertise and experience.

What makes Markel Insurance different is its people. The company focuses on building strong, long-term relationships with employees, brokers, and clients to deliver trusted service and tailored insurance solutions.