Markel Names Bhavik Desai MD of PFR & Cyber, Succeeds Sawyer
MKL•Markel International has appointed Bhavik Desai as Managing Director for Professional, Financial & Risk and Cyber within its London Market business, succeeding David Sawyer ahead of his end-2026 retirement. Desai will oversee underwriting strategy, portfolio performance and broker engagement, leveraging 13 years’ experience across professional indemnity and related specialty lines.
1. Appointment Details
Markel International has named Bhavik Desai as Managing Director for its Professional, Financial & Risk and Cyber division in the London Market, replacing David Sawyer, who will retire at the end of 2026. In this role, Desai will lead underwriting strategy, portfolio management and broker and client relationships across PFR & Cyber.
2. Desai’s Professional Experience
Since joining Markel in 2013, Desai held senior underwriting roles including Head and Director of Professional Indemnity for Media & Entertainment, developing underwriting discipline and renewal consistency. Prior to Markel, he led London-placed Professional Indemnity portfolios at AIG, focusing on UK & Ireland construction and professional lines.
3. Strategic Focus
Desai will drive disciplined portfolio performance, talent development and sustainable growth in complex specialty classes, working closely with underwriting, claims, actuarial, distribution and operations teams. His mandate includes enhancing insight-led decision-making and modernizing underwriting practices to strengthen Markel’s market position in professional, financial and cyber-related risks.
