Markel has appointed Lisa Mitchell as Head of Claims and she starts today, reporting to Australia MD Rory Morison. 

The US specialty insurer says her appointment completes the Australia leadership team, with its Casualty, Professional and Financial Risk, and Claims teams now in place to support the local operations. The Australia business was launched a few months ago. 

Ms Mitchell joins from AIG, where she spent more than 10 years as a claims specialist and was most recently the insurer’s Technical Lead, Financial Lines. 

“We are very pleased to welcome Lisa to the team. The appointment of an industry leader as our Head of Claims demonstrates Markel’s commitment to building a strong and proven team in the Australian market,” Mr Morison said. 

“This will also enable our underwriting and claims teams to work together to develop our local offering.’’ 

“We are establishing a long-term presence here that will enable us to be a reliable partner for local brokers. With our people and processes in place, I look forward to accelerating our broker partnerships in 2024.” 

Markel has previously told insuranceNEWS.com.au that it is important for the business to service claims from its local operation instead of relying on outsourcing or offshoring.  

“The ability to service claims locally is an important part of our Australian expansion, and Lisa will focus on working with insureds to achieve the best outcomes,” Wholesale Claims Director Chris O’Shea said today.