Debora Wilson and Darrell Martin Will Join Markel's Board of Directors

RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today the election of Debora J. Wilson and Darrell D. Martin to its board of directors, effective October 1, 2009.

Ms. Wilson is the former president and chief executive officer of The Weather Channel, having served in that role from June 2004 to March 2009. She joined The Weather Channel in 1994 as senior vice president of new business development and subsequently held key operating roles as president of the interactive division and chief operating officer. Before joining The Weather Channel, Ms. Wilson spent 15 years in the telecommunications industry at Bell Atlantic (now Verizon) in the Washington, DC area.

Mr. Martin has been associated with Markel since 1988, most recently serving as executive vice president in an advisory and consultative role. He served as the Company's chief financial officer from 1988 to 2005 and also served on the board of directors from 1991 to 2004. Before joining Markel, he was a partner at KPMG.

"We are very pleased to welcome both Debora and Darrell to Markel's board of directors," said Alan I. Kirshner, chairman and chief executive officer. "Both have demonstrated leadership and strategic vision in their careers that will serve our board well. We look forward to adding Debora's experience in marketing and brand building and know that Darrell's knowledge of our company, the insurance business and financial and accounting matters will be a valuable asset on the board."

Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs to a variety of niche markets. In each of these markets, the Company seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.

SOURCE Markel Corporation

Bruce Kay of Markel Corporation, +1-804-747-0136