Barrett Hubbard has been appointed managing director of Markel International’s new Canadian business, MINT Canadian Speciality Underwriters (MCSU). Barrett will be responsible for the establishment and growth of MCSU, which represents Markel International’s ongoing commitment to global expansion.

Barrett Hubbard was previously Vice-President of Marketing at Markel Insurance Company, the Virginia-based international speciality lines company with assets in excess of $6 billion. Barrett was responsible for managing the distribution systems of over 3400 retail agencies across the USA, generating revenues of over $200 million. Previous senior positions include Vice-President of Corporate Business Development at Markel and Vice-President, Rust Insurance Agency.

MCSU will write business through Markel Syndicate 3000 at Lloyd’s. Over time, MCSU will have access to over eighty products currently underwritten by Markel International in London, as well as the entire Markel portfolio of products in the United States.  Initially MCSU will focus on several key products and will broaden its product offering over time.  MCSU plans to open for business in early summer 2005.

“We are very serious about developing our international business, and the $1 billion we have invested in London reflects this commitment.” commented Gerry Albanese, President and Chief Operating Officer of Markel International. “Barrett Hubbard will be responsible for a crucial stage of our global expansion, embracing the unique opportunities of the Canadian market.”

Barrett Hubbard said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Markel and insurance buyers across Canada.  Lloyd's has tremendous franchise value and is held in especially high regard in Canada. Our view is that strong underwriting expertise combined with the Lloyd's name provides a tremendous platform from which to begin our marketing and production efforts.”

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

Notes to editors:

1. 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.

2. Markel Corporation markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs for a variety of niche markets.  In each of these markets, the Company seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader.  The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.