Markel appoints new international chief information officer

Markel has appointed Phil Jones as its new international chief information officer.

Jones joins from Aspen Insurance, where he had served as the firm’s global chief information officer.

His prior experience includes time spent in various senior and leadership positions at the UK Ministry of Defence, Prudential Assurance and Lloyd’s Banking Group, where he served as chief information officer in the bank’s insurance division.

Markel said that in his new role, Jones will “define and deliver the technology vision for Markel International, ensuring the organisation’s systems, data and digital capabilities continue to evolve in line with its strategic focus on operational excellence”.

The firm also said he would be tasked with “strengthening resilience, enhancing service quality and accelerating innovation”, as well “supporting Markel’s ambition to unlock greater value from its data, modernise its technology foundations and empower teams across its five regional businesses through reliable, high‑performing systems”.

He will work in partnership with the firm’s international leadership, global security services and IT teams, reporting directly to Carys Lawton-Bryce, chief operations officer at Markel International.

Evolving risk landscape

Lawton-Bryce said: “As the evolving risk landscape and competitive market continues to exert pressure on operations, it is critical that our technology is world-class.

“I’m delighted to welcome Jones to Markel in this important new role. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our operational performance and provide brokers and clients with best-in-class service – today and in the future.

“Jones’ extensive experience and deep expertise will help us take our technological capabilities to the next level across our international operations and I look forward to working closely with him.”