Markel appoints chief strategy officer for insurance unit

Markel Group's insurance subsidiary has appointed Bermuda-based Phil Schmidt as its chief strategy officer. 

Schmidt, who joined Markel last November as a managing director, is tasked with leading Markel's global strategy team and will engage "with major strategic initiatives and corporate development activities that are pursued across Markel globally". 

"Additionally, he will work closely across Markel and its State National and Nephila divisions on initiatives that address clients' most complex risk management needs by leveraging the power of the company's platform—insurance, reinsurance, fronting and insurance-linked securities," the company said.

"Phil brings strong global and strategic credentials to the role of chief strategy officer," said Jeremy Noble, president, Markel. "He also has demonstrated a close alignment with Markel's people-driven culture, which we believe is an important asset. We are confident that his leadership of the global strategy team will keep Markel focused on the priorities and resources needed for industry leadership. I look forward to partnering with Phil in this work."

Prior to Markel, Schmidt was managing director for Burg, a boutique investment bank providing M&A, fundraising and strategy consulting services. During his 13 years with Burg, he took on roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Chief Investment and Strategy Officer for Babbel and SVP, Strategy for Pearson.

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