Markel Re’s property president to head casualty

The president and chief underwriting officer of Markel Re, Jed Rhoads, is set to take on responsibility for the reinsurer’s casualty division.

He will succeed David Kalainoff, president and chief underwriting officer of casualty at Markel Re, who is retiring. Rhoads will assume responsibility for leading the casualty division in June 2015.

Kalainoff and Rhoads were previously employed by Alterra Capital Holdings, which was acquired by Markel in May 2013.

"Dave is a valued member of Markel's senior leadership team and has been instrumental in the transition of the reinsurance team to Markel. We truly appreciate that he shared his retirement decision with us so early and is willing to work with us until June of next year to ensure customer continuity and uninterrupted service," said Richie Whitt, president and co-chief operating officer.

"Dave has a long and profitable track record in the reinsurance marketplace, and thanks to the efforts of he, Jed, and many others, Markel Re is poised for continued success.

"Jed and Dave have been close partners in building and leading Markel's reinsurance business, and they will continue to work closely during the transition. We are grateful for Dave's contributions and wish him all the best in his retirement. I am confident that under Jed's leadership, we will continue to strengthen our reinsurance platform."