Markel International Restructures Marine Business with Two Promotions

The appointments follow the consolidation of Markel’s Hull & Hull War, Marine and Energy Liabilities, and Transport & Logistics units. By centralizing these functions, the insurer aims to provide brokers with more streamlined access to its specialist underwriting capabilities. Both Johnson and O'Neill will report directly to Grant Smith, the director of marine transportation appointed earlier this year.

Johnson, who joined Markel in 2025 after a 14-year tenure at Travelers, is charged with the sustainable expansion of the transport and logistics portfolio. His focus will include optimizing risk assessment and pricing in response to global supply chain disruptions and increased natural catastrophe exposure. O'Neill, an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience across Lloyd’s Syndicates and P&I Clubs, will oversee the marine and energy liability strategy. His role centers on managing complex, integrated risks and maintaining bespoke insurance solutions for clients facing heightened volatility. According to Smith, the move is a direct response to the interconnected challenges currently facing the marine and energy sectors, ranging from technological shifts to geopolitical instability.