20 May 2021Operations

Markel promotes global cyber underwriting exec

Markel Corporation has promoted Kelly Castriotta to managing director and global cyber underwriting executive.

Castriotta replaces Kara Owens, who is leaving Markel. In her new role Castriotta works across Markel, leading the global underwriting strategy for affirmative cyber products as well as cyber risks impacting various lines of business.

Castriotta has a multifaceted background spanning more than 15 years in underwriting, products, operations, claims, and litigation. She joined Markel in 2020 to help strengthen cyber underwriting best practices and lead various non-affirmative cyber initiatives. Previously she held senior positions at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty’s North American operations, as head of product development for financial lines and the head of cyber, tech and media underwriting.

In 2018, she led one of the industry's first implementations of silent cyber solutions by creating new products, training tools, and operational roadmaps for all internal disciplines as well as external trading partners.

Castriotta reports to Robin Russo, executive vice president and chief underwriting officer, and is based in Chicago.

Russo said the cyber business requires a highly technical leader who is energetic, agile, and deliberate. “Kelly is a collaborative leader with fluency across disciplines and product lines and proven expertise in completing aspirational initiatives within complex global organisations,” he said.