Westfield Specialty makes c-suite hire to strengthen claims team

Specialist insurer Westfield Specialty International has appointed Markel’s former senior counsel, Melanie Gilbert, as its new head of third party claims, to further strengthen its claims team.

Based in London, Gilbert’s new role will see her assume oversight of all third party claims across Westfield Specialty International’s portfolio.

As part of this responsibility, she will manage a team of professionals that handle complex and high value claims, helping to ensure excellent customer service and build strong relationships with key external stakeholders.

Gilbert will report to the insurer’s interim director of operations and head of claims, Katie MacGregor.

Speaking on the appointment, MacGregor said: “We are delighted to welcome Gilbert to our high performing claims team at Westfield Specialty International.

“Our dynamic and highly skilled team of claims professionals are experts in their field with an average of over 20 years of experience handling specialty claims in the insurance industry.

”Gilbert’s exceptional technical knowledge and expertise, as well as her proven track record of managing complex claims, makes her an exciting addition to lead our third party claims handling.”

Attracting ‘the best talent’ 

With over 15 years of experience in the legal profession, Gilbert joins Westfield Specialty International from insurer Markel, where she held the position of senior counsel since 2020.

Prior to that, she worked as a supervising associate and solicitor advocate at Simmons and Simmons, legal secondee at StarStone Insurance and solicitor advocate at CMS Cameron McKenna.

MacGregor continued: “We pride ourselves on our outstanding customer service and speedy resolution of claims, which is only possible by attracting the best talent.

“The fact we are able to attract individuals of Gilbert’s calibre is testament to our reputation for sustained investment in our people and the standout appeal of the Westfield culture.”