Markel Corp - Our people

Our people

“At Markel we hold the individual’s right to self-determination in the highest light, providing an atmosphere in which people can reach their personal potential.”

When it was written in 1986 the Markel Style memorialized how we seek to treat one another inside our own walls: honesty and fairness in all our dealings; holding the individuals right to self determination in the highest light; looking for a better way of doing things; putting aside individual concerns in the spirit of teamwork; and providing an atmosphere in which people can reach their full potential.

As part of the Markel Style, we encourage career development, celebrate a diverse workforce, and recognize associates committed to a zealous pursuit of excellence. Explore below to see the Markel Style in action.

Markel Style award winners

Each year, Markel recognizes associates who best reflect the Markel Style through teamwork and a commitment to success. Here is a list of recent Markel Style award winners.

Jillian Avey
Senior Director, Finance
Markel Corporation
Richmond, Virginia

Ashley Dillon
Director of Global Underwriting Assurance
Markel Corporation
Richmond, Virginia

Josh Bjorkman
Digital Business Development Director
Digital Partners
Omaha, Nebraska

Kate Johnson
Consultant–Strategy and Development
Markel International
London, England

Jennifer Likander
Senior Underwriter
Markel Specialty
Richmond, Virginia

Danny Radojicic
Underwriter
Markel Specialty
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sandy Shiner
Senior Financial Analyst
Markel International
London, England

Zabi Zabinski
AMF Bakery Systems
Sherbrooke, Canada

Diversity and inclusion

At Markel, we aim to create an environment where people are able to authentically bring their whole selves to work—a place where all ideas are heard, diverse perspectives are valued, and decisions are made on merit. When we achieve a fully diverse and inclusive culture, Markel will innovate faster, deliver a compelling employee and customer experience, and have a strong brand presence in the communities and markets where we do business. Ultimately, we focus on winning together.

The Global Steering Committee

The Global Steering Committee comprises of management across all of Markel insurance to represent various locations and functional areas. The intent of the committee is to set the strategic direction for Markel’s diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts; to inform goals, policies, and operational decisions; communicate Markel’s D&I vision; to engage managers, sponsor employee resource groups, and inclusion networks; and to champion Markel’s D&I initiatives.

The work of the steering committee spans five strategic priorities to:

Understand best practices
Build awareness
Engage employees
Involve leaders
Embed diversity and inclusion into our business and talent practices

In the spirit of "striving for a better way," we encourage employees to share any ideas or feedback through local networks or with a steering committee member.

Employee Engagement Survey

This survey gives employees an opportunity to provide confidential feedback to Markel’s leadership and management teams on the company’s working environment and culture.

Employee resource groups and networks

	BEAM (Black Engagement at Markel) - BEAM seeks to improve equity, education, and engagement among Black associates along with the greater Markel community.
	Markel Asian Professionals Network - A group striving to support the diverse and multicultural Asian and global community at Markel.
	Markel Next Generation Network - A group helping to provide an atmosphere in which people can reach their personal potential, building towards Markel International's continued success.
	Markel Veterans Program - Partnering with Operation Healing Forces to hire and train veterans to be part of our talented and high-performing team.
	Markel Women’s Network - Helping build, guide, and empower employees through education, community outreach, networking, and support.
	The Jitneys - A group striving to enhance interaction between newer associates and well established Markel professionals while exemplifying the Markel Style.