Markel Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Markel has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, human resources, and regional operations.

Driven by a commitment to long-term partnerships, Markel creates tailored coverage solutions for even the most complex insurance needs through its global network of offices and experienced underwriting teams, impacting diverse sectors worldwide.

Leadership Roles at Markel

  • Chief Financial Officer - Brian Costanzo
  • Executive Business Partner To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance Operations - Shannon Martin
  • Chief Financial Officer, Programs & Solutions - Meredith Albright
  • Executive Business Partner To President, Markel Specialty and Chief Financial Officer, Markel - Pattie Hester
  • Regional President, Ne - Sal Pollaro
  • President, Wholesale & Specialty (US) - Wendy Houser
  • Regional President, Retail, Region (East) - Alison Burgess
  • Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Susan Davies
  • Executive Business Partner To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President, Insurance - Georgianna Engiles
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Pamela Perrott
  • Brian Costanzo - Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Costanzo, the Chief Financial Officer at Markel, directs the financial strategy and operations for the company's insurance division. Overseeing all fiscal activities, Costanzo ensures robust financial planning, accurate reporting, and effective capital management across Markel's global operations. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other C-suite executives to align financial objectives with the company's overarching growth and profitability targets. By managing investment portfolios and optimizing financial structures, Brian Costanzo directly supports Markel's capacity to underwrite complex risks and expand its market presence. The Chief Financial Officer's purview includes managing budgets, analyzing financial performance, and implementing measures to enhance operational efficiency and shareholder value, thereby solidifying Markel's position as a leading specialty insurer.
    Brian Costanzo

    Shannon Martin - Executive Business Partner To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance Operations

    Shannon Martin, the Executive Business Partner To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance Operations at Markel, provides critical operational and strategic support. This role involves facilitating communication and driving initiatives between key financial and operational leadership within the insurance division. Martin ensures seamless execution of projects and strategic plans by bridging executive priorities and departmental actions. The scope of this position includes managing complex schedules, coordinating cross-functional teams, and preparing essential documentation to support executive decision-making. By streamlining workflows and enhancing organizational effectiveness, Shannon Martin contributes to the efficient operation of Markel's insurance business. This support function is vital for maintaining alignment and driving forward the company's mission to provide tailored coverage solutions.
    Shannon Martin

    Meredith Albright - Chief Financial Officer, Programs & Solutions

    Meredith Albright, the Chief Financial Officer, Programs & Solutions at Markel, leads financial operations for Markel's specialized programs and solutions division. Albright is responsible for financial planning, analysis, and reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and profitability of these distinct business units. This role involves developing financial models to support the underwriting of unique and complex risks offered through these programs. By optimizing financial performance and managing capital allocation, Meredith Albright directly contributes to the expansion and success of Markel's specialty offerings. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic insights guide investment decisions and operational efficiencies, reinforcing Markel's commitment to providing customized insurance solutions across diverse market sectors.

    Pattie Hester - Executive Business Partner To President, Markel Specialty and Chief Financial Officer, Markel

    Pattie Hester, the Executive Business Partner To President, Markel Specialty and Chief Financial Officer, Markel, offers vital operational and strategic support to two key executive leaders. Hester facilitates the execution of strategic priorities and ensures seamless coordination between the Markel Specialty division and the broader financial operations of Markel. This role involves managing complex projects, optimizing communication channels, and driving cross-functional alignment to achieve business objectives. By enhancing executive efficiency and project management, Pattie Hester contributes significantly to the effective operation of Markel's specialty insurance business. This partnership is instrumental in advancing the company's mission to provide tailored coverage for unique and challenging risks.

    Sal Pollaro - Regional President, Ne

    Sal Pollaro, the Regional President, Ne at Markel, directs regional operations and market strategy for the designated geographic area. Pollaro oversees the development and execution of business plans aimed at expanding Markel's specialty insurance offerings and client base within the region. This leadership role involves managing sales teams, fostering broker relationships, and ensuring the delivery of tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of regional clients. By driving profitable growth and enhancing market penetration, Sal Pollaro directly supports Markel's commitment to serving diverse sectors with customized property and casualty coverage. The Regional President's focus on operational excellence and client satisfaction is key to strengthening Markel's presence and reputation.

    Wendy Houser - President, Wholesale & Specialty (US)

    Wendy Houser, the President, Wholesale & Specialty (US) at Markel, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's wholesale and specialty insurance business within the United States. Houser oversees underwriting, product development, and market engagement, focusing on providing customized property and casualty insurance solutions for complex and hard-to-place risks. This executive role involves driving growth initiatives, managing key partnerships with brokers and agents, and ensuring the profitability and sustainability of the US specialty portfolio. By championing innovation and operational efficiency, Wendy Houser strengthens Markel's market position and its ability to serve diverse industries with specialized coverage. The President's leadership is critical for adapting to market dynamics and delivering exceptional value to clients.

    Alison Burgess - Regional President, Retail, Region (East)

    Alison Burgess, the Regional President, Retail, Region (East) at Markel, spearheads the strategic growth and operational management of the company's retail insurance operations across the Eastern region. Burgess directs sales efforts, cultivates strong relationships with retail brokers, and ensures the effective delivery of Markel's comprehensive specialty insurance products to a broad client base. This leadership position focuses on expanding market share and enhancing customer satisfaction by providing tailored coverage solutions for commercial and individual needs. By driving regional performance and fostering a client-centric approach, Alison Burgess plays a vital role in Markel's overall success. The Regional President's oversight is crucial for adapting Markel's offerings to the specific demands of the Eastern market and reinforcing the company's commitment to long-term partnerships.

    Susan Davies - Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Susan Davies, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Markel, directs all human capital strategies and initiatives across the global organization. Davies oversees talent acquisition, development, compensation, benefits, and employee relations, ensuring Markel fosters a high-performance culture aligned with its people-first approach. This executive leadership role involves shaping policies that support employee well-being and professional growth, critical for retaining top talent in the competitive insurance market. By championing diversity and inclusion, Susan Davies cultivates an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to Markel's success. The Chief Human Resources Officer's strategic guidance is essential for building a skilled workforce capable of managing complex insurance needs and driving innovation in product development and service delivery.
    Susan Davies

    Georgianna Engiles - Executive Business Partner To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President, Insurance

    Georgianna Engiles, the Executive Business Partner To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President, Insurance at Markel, provides essential support to key executive functions. Engiles facilitates strategic initiatives and operational coordination between human resources and senior insurance leadership. This position involves managing critical projects, enhancing internal communication, and ensuring alignment across departments to support Markel's overall business objectives. By streamlining executive workflows and driving project execution, Georgianna Engiles contributes to the efficient management of human capital and insurance operations. This role is pivotal in translating executive vision into actionable plans, supporting the company's mission to deliver tailored insurance solutions globally.

    Pamela Perrott - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Pamela Perrott, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Markel, drives strategic human resources initiatives to support the company's global workforce. Perrott oversees talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement programs designed to foster a robust and supportive work environment. This leadership position is crucial for attracting, developing, and retaining the skilled professionals necessary to navigate the complexities of the specialty insurance market. By implementing innovative HR policies and practices, Pamela Perrott ensures Markel's culture remains aligned with its commitment to long-term partnerships and exceptional service. The Chief Human Resources Officer's focus on people-centric strategies underpins the company's ability to deliver customized coverage solutions and maintain its competitive edge.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Markel Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Markel?
    Markel is led by Brian Costanzo (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Shannon Martin (Executive Business Partner To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance Operations) and Meredith Albright (Chief Financial Officer, Programs & Solutions).
    Who is part of Markel’s executive team?
    The executive team of Markel includes leaders such as Brian Costanzo (Chief Financial Officer), Shannon Martin (Executive Business Partner To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance Operations), Meredith Albright (Chief Financial Officer, Programs & Solutions) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Markel have?
    Markel has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Markel’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Markel includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Business Partner To the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, Insurance Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Programs & Solutions, Executive Business Partner To President, Markel Specialty and Chief Financial Officer, Markel, Regional President, Ne.