Colin Wildey Named CRO for Markel International to Strengthen Risk Oversight

Markel deepens international risk bench

LONDON, Feb 17 (Reuters) — Markel Insurance is promoting Colin Wildey to Chief Risk Officer for Markel International, a move designed to tighten the insurer’s enterprise-wide risk oversight as it pursues international growth. The promotion is subject to regulatory approval and places Wildey in London reporting to Henry Gardener, who serves as Chief Risk Officer of Markel Insurance.

Wildey named CRO to drive risk-led decision-making

Markel says Wildey will prioritise embedding its Risk Management framework more deeply into business decisions to help underwriters and leaders take considered risks while protecting policyholders and partners. The company frames the appointment as central to its ambition to put Markel “on the map,” by using analytical expertise and practical insight to strengthen resilience and align underwriting, capital and operations with strategic objectives.

The appointment is also intended to enhance clarity of purpose and ownership of risk across Markel International’s operating units. Markel highlights the Risk team’s role in supporting interactions with regulators and stakeholders, and says Wildey’s pragmatic collaboration with underwriting, actuarial, compliance and operations teams will be crucial as the company navigates a more complex global risk environment. Gardener praises Wildey’s technical skill and trusted relationships, and Wildey says effective risk management enables confident, measured growth.

International experience and regulator engagement

Wildey brings more than a decade of senior risk management experience across the London Market and international insurance sector, including roles as UK Chief Risk Officer and Group Head of Risk & Capital at Fidelis Insurance. He has held earlier positions in risk management, consulting and underwriting covering the UK, Ireland, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand, and has substantial engagement with regulators including the Prudential Regulation Authority, Financial Conduct Authority, Bermuda Monetary Authority and Central Bank of Ireland.

People-first strategy and operating ambitions

Markel frames the promotion within a people-first approach that seeks to leverage its underwriting, capital and operational capabilities to deliver “intelligent solutions for complex risks.” The company underscores that the role supports commitments to policyholders, regulators and partners globally while continuing to strengthen business resilience as it expands internationally. Regulatory approval remains pending.