Markel has named Simon Barrett as finance director, taking over the role from Jeremy Noble who will become chief financial officer (CFO) of Markel Corporation.

Subject to regulatory approval, Barrett will join the boards of Markel’s two London insurance entities; Markel International Insurance Company Limited and Markel Syndicate Management. He will be a member of the Markel International executive committee.

Barrett joins the company at the end of the year from Hamilton at Lloyd’s where he held the role of CFO since 2015. For 12 years previously he was finance director for a number of XL Group’s UK subsidiaries, including its Lloyd’s syndicates.     

Commenting on the appointment Noble said: “Simon's deep market experience, commercial mindset, fresh perspective and history of working with organisations experiencing change, will be invaluable as we navigate the challenges of current market conditions, continue to grow the Markel International franchise and contribute to Markel's efforts to build one of the world's great companies.”