About the role

Aplyr's Quick Take

This role is about leading the underwriting strategy and performance for professional liability insurance focused on Directors and Officers, as well as Financial Institutions. It's a senior leadership position that involves managing teams, negotiating with brokers, and ensuring the portfolio meets financial goals. This is primarily a management role with a strong emphasis on strategic oversight and team development.

Good fit

Ideal candidates will have 10-15 years of experience in professional liability underwriting, particularly in D&O and Financial Institutions. Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage complex relationships are essential, along with a strategic mindset and a collaborative working style.

Worth noting

The position is based in Bermuda, which may appeal to those looking for an international experience. The role also requires high-level negotiation skills and a deep understanding of financial risks, which could be a challenge for those without extensive experience in these areas.

Markel Bermuda Limited is seeking a Sr. Director to lead the Directors & Officers (D&O) and Financial Institutions (FI) professional liability portfolio. This role has overall responsibility for underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, and talent leadership for the D&O/FI book.
The Sr. Director sets underwriting direction, manages profitability and growth, and provides leadership and development to underwriting teams. This position works closely with senior leadership and cross functional partners to ensure disciplined underwriting, strong broker relationships, and execution aligned with Markel’s risk appetite.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Own the underwriting strategy and financial performance of the D&O / FI portfolio, including growth, profitability, retention, and rate adequacy.
Monitor portfolio metrics such as loss ratio, aggregate exposure, and pricing, and adjust strategy as needed.
Stay current on economic, regulatory, and legal trends impacting D&O and Financial Institutions risks.

Underwrite complex and high‑severity D&O and FI risks, including large and sophisticated organizations.
Review and structure coverage, pricing, and terms consistent with Markel underwriting standards and authority.
Lead high‑level negotiations with brokers on program structure and terms.

Provide leadership, coaching, and development to underwriting staff and direct reports.
Participate in underwriting authority oversight, ensuring appropriate delegation and strong underwriting discipline.
Ensure underwriting quality, documentation, and audit standards are consistently met.

Partner closely with Claims, Operations, Legal, and Marketing to ensure alignment and service excellence.
Represent Markel in key broker and client meetings, and at industry events as appropriate.
Support product enhancements and new product development within the D&O / FI space.

Qualifications, Education & Experience:

10-15 years of professional liability underwriting experience, with deep expertise in D&O and Financial Institutions.
Proven experience leading complex portfolios and senior broker relationships.
Demonstrated people leadership skills, including coaching and talent development.
Strong knowledge of policy forms, endorsements, and professional liability coverage structures.
Solid understanding of financial statements and financial risk analysis.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced education or professional designations preferred.
Strong communication, judgment, and decision‑making skills.

Aplyr's read

Markel Corporation thrives in the specialty insurance market, attracting professionals skilled in underwriting, claims, and risk management across diverse sectors.
Synthesized from recent postings & public sources

What's promising

•Markel's diverse segments offer employees exposure to various financial services beyond traditional insurance.
•The company has a strong reputation in specialty insurance, providing stability and growth opportunities.
•Markel's global presence allows for international career development and mobility.

What to watch

•The complexity of Markel's operations may lead to challenging internal processes.
•Specialty insurance market volatility can affect job security and financial performance.
•Limited public information about employee satisfaction and work-life balance at Markel.

Why Markel

•Markel's focus on niche insurance markets differentiates it from standard insurance companies.
•The company's investment operations provide unique opportunities for finance professionals.
•Markel's commitment to underwriting specialty risks attracts experts in niche fields.

Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?

About Markel

Markel

markel.com

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Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company that markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. The company operates through various segments, including insurance, reinsurance, and investment operations.