Markel launches Fine Art & Specie offering in Australia with senior hire

Sydney, 4 June, 2026 — Markel Insurance, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), today announced the appointment of Matthew Stock as Head of Fine Art & Specie - Australia, with immediate effect.

The appointment marks the launch of Markel’s Fine Art & Specie offering in Australia, which will support broker partners in identifying, assessing and underwriting complex risks across the full suite of fine art products including personal collections, jewellery collectors, corporate collectors, dealers and galleries, specie, jewellers’ block and cash in transit. It also follows the recent international appointment of Danny O’Donoghue as Head of Fine Art & Specie in London.

Based in Sydney and reporting to Tim Wills, Markel’s Head of Marine in Australia, Stock brings 30 years of experience in the insurance industry and is one of the leading Fine Art & Specie underwriters in the Asia Pacific region. He joins from 360 Underwriting Solutions where he was Executive Director – Fine Art & Specie. Stock previously held senior Fine Art & Specie roles at Quantum Underwriting Agencies, Talbot Risk Services, Chubb, and XL Catlin.

Stock’s expertise and knowledge in the Asia Pacific region position him well to work with international Fine Art & Specie colleagues to identify collaborative opportunities that enhance broker service levels and drive profitable growth. Under Markel’s ambition to combine specialist expertise with a disciplined, relationship-driven approach, Stock will play an important role in bringing the ‘Best of Markel’ to local markets and brokers.

Tim Wills, Head of Marine – Australia, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew to Markel in Australia. This appointment marks an important step in the evolution of our Marine strategy, as we expand into a highly specialised and attractive segment of the market.

“Fine Art and Specie offers a compelling opportunity to diversify our portfolio and build a leading position in a class characterised by strong performance and disciplined underwriting. With deep expertise and a strong market reputation, Matthew will play a key role in establishing Markel as a trusted and responsive partner to brokers and clients across this space.”

About Markel Insurance

We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.