Lee Mooney to succeed Neil Galjaard as MD of Markel UK

Markel Insurance, the insurance arm of Markel Group Inc., has appointed Lee Mooney to lead its UK regional business, succeeding Neil Galjaard, who will step down from his role towards the end of June.

Galjaard has served as Divisional Managing Director of Markel UK since 2016, during which time revenue grew by 200%, profitability improved, and the company was recognised as the leading insurer for service in commercial lines.

He also recently spearheaded the development of a new five-year strategy focused on increasing Markel’s relevance with distribution partners and clients by bringing the best of the company to the UK regional market.

Henrik Bjornstad, Managing Director – National Markets at Markel International, said, “It’s hard to overstate the importance Neil has had for our National Markets UK business. Under his leadership we have been voted the number 1 insurer for service in Commercial Lines three times and we have tripled in size while improving profit levels. The transformation he has helped to achieve, and the development of the new five-year strategy, mean we couldn’t be better positioned for future success. I’m incredibly grateful for all he has achieved and wish him the very best in the next phase of his professional and personal journey.”

Galjaard commented, ‘I couldn’t be more proud of what the team at Markel UK has accomplished during my tenure, and I’m confident the business will deliver on the ambitious growth strategy we’ve developed for the next five years. Unfortunately, my personal plans do not see me working in a full-time capacity until 2030, and I believe in the need for a leader who’s able to see that through. I wish Lee and the team every success in the future and look forward to seeing the continued growth of the business that will be achieved together with our broker partners.”

Mooney is expected to take over as leader of Markel’s UK regional business towards the end of June. He will be based in Leeds and will report to Henrik Bjornstad.

An experienced insurance industry leader, Mooney spent 26 years at RSA, working in various senior leadership roles, most recently leading its UK Commercial lines business across Regional, Digital, Schemes, and MGA underwriting.

Bjornstad added, “Lee is a strategic business leader with credible experience in a range of areas that form part of our UK business and vision for future success. He also has a fantastic reputation with brokers and distribution partners. I’ve no doubt he’ll build on the strong foundations already in place and deliver on the next phase of our profitable growth ambitions.”

Commenting on his new role, Mooney said, “I’m excited to be joining Markel and look forward to building on the strong foundations and reputation it has in the UK.

“Markel is renowned for its people-powered approach and exceptional customer service. The vision to build broader teams and propositions on the back of such strength is an opportunity that I am delighted to be a part of. I can’t wait to meet up with the team and work together to make the most of the opportunities that await us.”