Markel strengthens London Market Fine Art & Specie portfolio with senior underwriter hire

London, 23 April, 2026 – Markel Insurance, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced the appointment of Katie McGrath to Senior Underwriter – London Fine Art & Specie, effective immediately.

In her new position, McGrath will be responsible for identifying, pricing and placing complex risks, while partnering with Markel’s London Fine Art & Specie team to develop and drive the sustainable expansion of its London Market portfolio. She’ll develop key relationships with broker partners and work closely with the organisation’s Claims and Actuarial functions to stay at the forefront of emerging trends, ensuring tailored coverage for brokers and insureds.

Alongside these responsibilities, McGrath will regularly evaluate the underwriting processes and data with her team to deliver a more seamless customer experience from inception to placement and beyond, while operating from Markel’s London office.

On her arrival, Director of Marine, Dan McCarthy commented: “Rising values across all classes, the increase in high profile thefts, and more frequently occurring natural disasters are creating new risk exposures and amplifying existing ones for galleries, jewellers and private collectors. Katie’s impressive experience in handling international Fine Art & Specie portfolios and delivering first-class service will be critical to ensure we continue providing exceptional standards to our brokers and clients.

Markel has a long-standing reputation and pedigree in writing Fine Art & Specie insurance, and we’re delighted to have someone of Katie’s calibre join our experienced team. She joins us at an exciting time as we look to drive further profitable growth and enhance our leadership position within the London Market.”

McGrath possesses nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Previously, she spent more than seven years as Deputy Specie Underwriter at Antares Underwriting Services Limited, where she managed and wrote fine art, jewellers block, general specie and cash in transit risks. Following this position, McGrath joined Talbot Underwriting’s Fine Art & Specie team as Underwriter – Specie, underwriting large client accounts across an international book of business. She held this role for more than five years before joining Markel.

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.