Markel promotes Colin Wildey as Chief Risk Officer to strengthen international risk leadership

Markel strengthens international risk leadership

Markel Insurance promotes Colin Wildey to Chief Risk Officer for Markel International, subject to regulatory approval, in a move designed to embed risk more deeply into strategic decision‑making as the business grows. Wildey, who is based in London and reports to Henry Gardener, Markel Insurance’s Chief Risk Officer appointed in 2025, has led risk for Markel International since 2022 and is charged with advancing the group’s Risk Management framework to support profitable, sustainable expansion. The appointment signals an emphasis on combining analytical rigour with operational insight to strengthen business resilience across underwriting, capital, actuarial, compliance and operations.

In his new role Wildey focuses on translating risk analysis into clearer ownership and action across the business, helping underwriters and leaders take considered risks with confidence as Markel seeks to broaden its international footprint. The company says the change will support its strategic ambition to “put Markel on the map” by leveraging integrated capabilities across underwriting, capital and operations to deliver solutions for complex risks. The promotion is presented as part of a people‑first approach that stresses collaboration with policyholders, partners and regulators while maintaining commitments to customers globally.

Henry Gardener praises Wildey’s technical skills and pragmatic collaboration, noting the risk team’s role in strengthening clarity of purpose and strategic alignment. Wildey says effective risk management is key to enabling the business to navigate an increasingly complex risk environment and that he intends to embed risk thinking more broadly across Markel International. The appointment remains subject to the usual regulatory clearances.

Experience across London Market and global jurisdictions

Wildey brings more than a decade of senior risk management experience in the London Market and international insurance sector, including prior roles as UK Chief Risk Officer and Group Head of Risk & Capital at Fidelis Insurance, and earlier positions covering underwriting, consulting and risk functions in the UK, Ireland, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand. He also has substantial engagement with regulators including the PRA, FCA, BMA and CBI.

Strategic and industry implications

Market observers say the move underscores a wider industry trend towards elevating risk functions as insurers balance growth with regulatory scrutiny and capital discipline. For Markel, strengthening risk leadership aims to support resilient expansion and reinforce commitments to policyholders, shareholders and regulators across its international operations.