Markel International appoints chief operating officer

Markel International has promoted Carys Lawton-Bryce (pictured above) to chief operating officer, subject to regulatory approval. Lawton-Bryce will also be part of the executive committee (ExCo) for the international business.

Reporting to Simon Wilson, president of the international division of Markel, Lawton-Bryce will be responsible for the strategy and day-to-day management of the company’s operations. This includes the business’ wholesale and national markets divisions, as well as the shared services that support them.

Lawton-Bryce has 17 years of experience in the insurance industry, having held roles across operations, change and IT. She joined Markel in August 2021 as wholesale operations director.

Prior to joining Markel, she was head of pricing for the ERS Motor Syndicate for two years, working with the actuarial and IT teams. Prior to that, she spent six years as head of change and IT at CNA Hardy, where she led several strategic initiatives, including the integration of the Hardy Managing Agency into the wider CNA Group.

She began her career at Lloyd’s in the international operations team, where she helped establish Lloyd’s China and develop other platforms across Asia.

“We have seen substantial expansion at the international level over the past few years, and with this comes greater complexity, but also opportunities that we can harness,” Wilson said. “As we grow and scale, making the right investments in our processes, data and technology will be a crucial factor in achieving our goal of being the leading global specialty insurer. As the international COO, Carys will lead our drive towards operational excellence.

“In her relatively short time at Markel, Carys has proved herself to be invaluable. I look forward to seeing what she can achieve next, with her expanded remit and in her well-deserved place on the ExCo, to which she will bring a fresh and innovative perspective and a skill set that enhances and complements its existing make-up.”