Markel International enters Canada

The Canadian market was “the right fit” for the newest office in the Markel International stable, says the company’s CEO Gerry Albanese. The move into Canada through MINT Canadian Specialty Underwriters (MCSU) was based on several factors, he notes. “We like the location…It’s a sophisticated economy, a growing economy. Our products fit right in…”

The Canadian office will write business through Markel Syndicate 3000 at Lloyd’s of London, with the aim of expanding its product base over time to take advantage of the large number of products written by Markel in both the U.K. and U.S., Albanese says. Early offerings will include errors and omissions (E&O) and other third-party liability covers.

Markel International’s products are geared to a more “service-based”, and thus sophisticated economy such as exists in Canada, Albanese explains. And MCSU’s expansion will be driven by market demand here. MCSU will also borrow expertise from the company’s U.S. operations, based in Richmond, Virginia. Barrett Hubbard will make the move north of the border to lead the new office, with Rob Lees heading up underwriting in Toronto.