Markel consolidates four marine and transport lines under Grant Smith’s leadership
MKL•Markel Insurance has appointed Grant Smith as Director of Marine Transportation at Markel International, uniting its Hull & Hull War, MECO, Marine & Energy Liabilities and Transport & Logistics classes under one leadership. Based in London and reporting to Dan McCarthy, Smith will drive strategy, enhance underwriting and streamline processes across geographies.
1. Appointment Overview
Markel Insurance has named Grant Smith as Director of Marine Transportation at Markel International. In this role, Smith oversees the integration of Hull & Hull War, MECO, Marine & Energy Liabilities and Transport & Logistics classes to provide unified leadership for marine transportation risks.
2. Strategic Rationale
The consolidation responds to the increasing interconnectivity of marine and transportation exposures, aiming to deliver coordinated expertise and more tailored solutions. Markel expects that centralizing these classes will strengthen underwriting discipline and improve broker and client service.
3. Role and Responsibilities
Reporting to Dan McCarthy, Managing Director of Marine, Energy & Construction, Smith will shape global strategy, enhance underwriting capabilities, optimize processes and act as a senior liaison for brokers, clients and industry bodies.
4. Professional Background
Smith joined Markel in 2024 as Director of Marine & Energy Liabilities and added Transport & Logistics leadership in 2025. With over 17 years in marine specialty lines, he brings extensive underwriting and leadership experience to his expanded role.
