Markel International today announced that David Jones and David Armes have been promoted to joint divisional managing directors of Markel’s Professional & Financial Risk division.

Together they bring over 40 years experience to the position.  They have been with Markel since 2001 and have been instrumental in the success of the Professional Liability account, where Markel is recognised as one of the leaders in this type of business.  Both promotions will be effective from the 31st March 2005.
 
Gerry Albanese, President and COO of Markel International said: “David and David will make a great team leading the division forward while continuing to produce excellent underwriting results This will be an exciting year for Markel International and these promotions will help us achieve our goal of consistent underwriting profit.”

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For further information:
Derah McCall, Markel International, 020 7953 6732

Notes to editors:
1. David Armes started his career as a senior accident broker with the Fenchurch Group before moving into underwriting with the Minet Underwriting Agencies in 1980, becoming assistant underwriter & claims manager. David then went on to serve as active underwriter on Syndicate 820 before joining Markel, formerly Octavian, in 1999 as senior underwriter on the UK & Ireland Professional Indemnity account.
2. David Jones started his underwriting career with Sphere Drake quickly moving into the assistant casualty underwriter role on the Professional Liability, General Liability and Crime account.  David joined Markel, then Octavian, in 1999 as senior underwriter on the International Professional Indemnity Account.
3. Markel International Limited is a specialty property and casualty insurer. Based in London and comprising the international operations of Markel Corporation, it wrote gross premiums in 2004 of $ 746 million. It has five operating divisions writing business either through Markel Syndicate 3000 or through Markel International Insurance Company Limited.