Markel poaches new PI head from Travelers

Markel International has appointed David Sawyer (pictured) as its new head of professional indemnity (PI).

Sawyer joins Markel as senior underwriter in its professional and financial risks (PFR) division from Travelers Insurance Company, where he has run the PI portfolio since 2011.

Prior to working at Travelers, Sawyer held senior professional lines positions at QBE Insurance Europe where he headed the regional PI unit.

Reporting to divisional managing director, James Hastings, Sawyer will manage and underwrite the PFR division’s international portfolio of PI business.

Commenting on the appointment, Hastings said: “He has excellent leadership skills, having held many management roles over his time at QBE and Travelers, and a strong network of broker relationships. We look forward to him playing an important part in the further development of our PFR team.”