Markel appoints John Riley to Senior Claims Adjuster for Financial Institutions

Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), announced the appointment of John Riley as Senior Claims Adjuster – Financial Institutions, effective immediately.

His arrival will facilitate the transfer of the remaining Commercial Directors & Officers (D&O) claims to an expanded FIDO claims team, as well as providing further capacity for Markel’s growing FI claims portfolio. This move will ensure a more streamlined and consistent service for brokers and clients.

Riley will handle a broad range of FI and Management Liability claims across the UK and internationally. Through his business dealings, he’ll ensure all claims continue to be dealt with in line with Markel’s Claims Value Proposition – a framework outlining Markel’s core competencies of providing a best-in-class service to clients wherever they are in the world.

Working closely with managing agents and service providers, Riley will play a key role in the delivery of Markel’s high-quality claims management across multiple jurisdictions, enhancing service levels for customers from inception to resolution. Alongside these responsibilities, he’ll liaise with the FI and D&O underwriting teams by providing input on policy wordings – ensuring clients continue receiving tailored risk transfer solutions – while mentoring claims handlers within his team.

Based in London, Riley will report to Natalie Myhill, Claims Manager – Financial Institutions & Fintech, within the Professional and Financial Risks (PFR) claims team at Markel, led by Jonathan Pestell, Head of Claims – PFR & Cyber.

Pestell commented: “I’m delighted to welcome John Riley to the Professional and Financial Risks Claims team. John has a proven track record of delivering strong outcomes in the London Market, using his deep technical expertise to resolve complex FI and D&O matters.

“At a time when the claims landscape is becoming increasingly dynamic – driven by heightened regulatory scrutiny, cross-border exposures and evolving management liability risks – John’s experience and judgement are particularly valuable. His extensive network of brokers, co-insurers and insureds will further strengthen our capabilities as we continue to grow our FI and Fintech portfolios.”

Riley possesses more than 25 years of experience handling FI and D&O claims in the London Market. Throughout his career, he’s led complex claims across multiple jurisdictions – including the UK, US, South America, Europe and Israel, where he dealt with cross-border investigations, shareholder activism and regulatory matters. Most recently, he served as Senior Adjuster at Starr Underwriting Agents. Prior to that, at Aon UK, Riley was a referral point for financial lines claims, focusing on D&O, and was involved in various projects.

Image provided by Markel Insurance

Alicia Ward