Peter Middleton will join Markel International as Divisional Managing Director, Specialty Division on 5 January 2004.  Peter will join Markel from Gerling at Lloyd's where he is the Chief Operating Officer and Underwriting Director.

The appointment will coincide with the renaming of the Reinsurance and Accident Division to the Specialty Division, which more accurately reflects the type of business written currently and the way Markel foresees the division developing.

Gerry Albanese, President and Chief Operating Officer at Markel International said: “Peter is an excellent addition to Markel International and I am delighted that he has chosen to be part of our team.  Peter has worked in a variety of roles and his skills, experience and commitment to underwriting profitability will be invaluable as we continue to grow our business.”

The existing Reinsurance and Accident team will form part of this new division and Clive Couzens will continue as Divisional Managing Director for Accident and Reinsurance, focusing his exceptional underwriting ability on the further development of the expanded division.

Peter has proven technical and leadership ability, with a track record of success.  He began his career in insurance over 25 years ago with Mercantile & General.  Since then he has worked in a variety of roles, including positions at TIG Reinsurance, St Paul Reinsurance and Munich Re.