Markel appoints Phil Schmidt as chief strategy officer

Markel, the insurance division of Markel Group Inc., has named Phil Schmidt as chief strategy officer, effective immediately.

Schmidt’s responsibilities in this role will include leading Markel’s global strategy team based in Bermuda. He is also responsible for engagement with Markel’s major strategic initiatives and corporate development activities around the world.

Additionally, he will work closely with Markel and its state and Nephila affiliates on initiatives that address clients’ complex risk management needs by leveraging the company’s platform capabilities across insurance, reinsurance, fronting and insurance-related securities.

Schmidt joined Markel in October 2023 as managing director.

Prior to Markel, he served as managing director of Burg, a boutique investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions, fundraising and strategic consulting services.

During his 13 years at Burg, he held positions of increasing responsibility, including director of investment and strategy at Babbel AG and senior vice president for strategy at Pearson PLC.

Jeremy Noble, CEO of Markel, commented on the appointment: “Phil brings strong global and strategic credentials to the role of Chief Strategy Officer.

“He has also demonstrated a close alignment with Markel’s people-focused culture, which we consider 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 working with Phil on this work.”