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Markel Group appoints Simon Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance

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Markel Group appoints Simon Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance
Business

Business

Markel Group appoints Simon Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance

2025-03-17 20:00 Last Updated At:20:15

RICHMOND, Va., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) announced today that Simon Wilson, currently President of Markel International, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company's three primary underwriting businesses—Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance—which will collectively be referred to as Markel Insurance. This leadership transition is part of a broader effort to sharpen the company's customer focus by empowering each of their teams to serve the distinct needs of their respective markets—an approach that propelled Markel's growth from a small U.S. insurer when it went public in 1986 to a global specialty insurance leader.

Mr. Wilson comes to the position with more than 20 years of experience scaling the operations of large specialty insurance organizations. He joined Markel in 2010 to spearhead international business development, and he was the primary architect of the expansion of Markel International beyond London, scaling operations in Europe, Canada, and Asia that collectively grew to $2.5 billion in annual gross written premium last year. In January 2020, Wilson was appointed Managing Executive of Global Strategy for Markel, where he directly supported all underwriting operations. Since he became President of Markel International in 2021, the division increased gross written premiums by nearly 40 percent and net underwriting profit by more than 250 percent. Prior to joining the company, Wilson led the Lloyd's Asia platform in Singapore.

"Simon is a proven leader with extensive insurance expertise, and his leadership approach aligns with both the Markel Style and our current needs," said Tom Gayner, Chief Executive Officer of Markel Group. "Markel's growth has been impressive, but it also brought new challenges and unnecessary complexity, as confirmed by our ongoing Board-led business review. At times, we unintentionally made it harder for our people to serve our customers. I'm confident in Simon's vision for growing this fortress of an insurance business through teams that are focused on serving the customers and markets that they know best."

"I am deeply honored by this opportunity," said Wilson. "Markel is at its best when our leaders are given equal parts empowerment and accountability. Our work going forward will ensure that we make decisions as close to the customer as possible, reduce complexity, and restore our commitment to being a market leader in each of our pursuits."

As a result of this leadership transition, Jeremy Noble will be leaving the company.

Gayner added, "I've worked alongside Jeremy for more than 20 years and am immensely grateful for his relentless efforts on behalf of the business, in particular during the past few years as he worked to strengthen the foundation of our insurance operations."

Alongside this leadership transition, the State National and Nephila leadership teams will continue to operate with a high degree of autonomy and they will now report directly into Markel Group, alongside Markel Insurance. These three businesses will continue to actively collaborate where opportunities exist in the marketplace.

About Markel Group
Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) is a diverse family of companies that includes everything from insurance to bakery equipment, building supplies, houseplants, and more. The leadership teams of these businesses operate with a high degree of independence, while at the same time living the values that we call the Markel Style. Our specialty insurance business sits at the core of our company. Through decades of sound underwriting, the insurance team has provided the capital base from which we built a system of businesses and investments that collectively increase Markel Group's durability and adaptability. It's a system that provides diverse income streams, access to a wide range of investment opportunities, and the ability to efficiently move capital to the best ideas across the company. Most importantly though, this system enables each of our businesses to advance our shared goal of helping our customers, associates, and shareholders win over the long term. Visit mklgroup.com to learn more. 

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Markel Group appoints Simon Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance

Markel Group appoints Simon Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Markel Insurance

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Pan Pacific Hotels Group Unveils Transformation of Pan Pacific Perth

2025-05-16 09:00 Last Updated At:09:15

The asset enhancement initiative is part of the Group's long-term strategy in positioning its properties as market leaders in the luxury sector

SINGAPORE, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Against the backdrop of a resurgent travel sector and evolving guest expectations, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has unveiled a landmark transformation of Pan Pacific Perth. This significant investment builds on the Group's global asset enhancement initiative strategy, which began in 2021 with the opening of award-winning Pan Pacific London. The hospitality arm of Singapore-based UOL Group Limited, PPHG continues to bring its vision of graceful luxury to life through a juxtaposition of bold and inspired designs, enhanced signature services, and sustainable innovation.

With 488 guest rooms and suites, Pan Pacific Perth is the largest of PPHG's six properties in Australia and a flagship expression of the brand. Designed by renowned FDAT Architects, the hotel's refreshed interiors, redesigned lobby, and elevated Pacific Club Lounge draw inspiration from Western Australia's natural landscapes, delivering memorable experiences by thoughtfully adapting to local contexts.

As part of its commitment to responsible tourism, PPHG has integrated sustainable design into the transformed Pan Pacific Perth. Innovative features include decorative panels made from repurposed denim, hand-pressed natural herbs, and 100% recycled plastics—each crafted to reduce waste and celebrate natural materials through multi-sensorial experiences, aligning with the group's broader sustainability goals. PPHG was recently recognised as the first hospitality brand in Oceania to receive the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Multi-site certification for all six of its Australian properties, underscoring its leadership in sustainable hospitality.

Its expansive 2,500sqm convention floor, the largest in Perth, has been upgraded with advanced LED screens and cutting-edge audiovisual technology. Offering versatile room configurations and seamless professional support, the space is designed to accommodate a wide range of business events, conferences, and social occasions with precision and ease.

Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Pan Pacific Hotels Group, said: "Australia is one of PPHG's most strategically important markets, with six owned and managed properties across three states. Our investment in Pan Pacific Perth is a commitment to the city's evolving position as a West Coast events and business hub. Backed by a national tourism rebound and Perth's upcoming AU$5 billion airport redevelopment1, the hotel is strategically positioned to meet the city's growing demand for premium travel and event experiences."

Deepening Presence in Key Markets

PPHG is investing heavily in asset enhancement initiatives across its Australian portfolio, ensuring each property evolves in step with changing consumer expectations and elevated brand standards.

These properties' enhancements come at a time of renewed momentum in Australia's tourism and MICE sectors. According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, international tourist arrivals are expected to rise by 41% between 2024 and 2028. Arrivals from Singapore alone have grown by over 40% between 2022 and 20242—a trend projected to continue.

Meanwhile, bolstered by its world-class event infrastructure, government support and increasing demand for sustainable and flexible event solutions, Australia's MICE industry is forecast to grow at a robust 11.5% from 2024 to 2032, reaching USD 42.8 billion3. Melbourne and Sydney continue to lead as key hubs for MICE activities, presenting a strong opportunity for PPHG as it expands its offerings to meet the demands of both leisure and business travellers.

"Across our hotels in Australia, we are enhancing meeting spaces to be more flexible, investing in technology for hybrid delivery, and enhancing F&B offerings to support diverse events. The ability to deliver consistent high-level MICE experiences across markets from Singapore to Australia and the UK is a strength of our integrated owner-operator model." Choe Peng Sum added.

With an established footprint in Australia, PPHG owns and/or manages six properties in Australia: Pan Pacific Melbourne; Pan Pacific Perth; PARKROYAL Darling Harbour Sydney; PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport; PARKROYAL Parramatta Sydney and PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne. These properties cater to business and leisure travellers, offering trusted hospitality in key urban centres and travel hubs.

About Pan Pacific Hotels Group 

Pan Pacific Hotels Group is a global hospitality company that owns and manages over 50 hotels, resorts, and serviced suites comprising three brands - Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL in more than 30 cities across Asia Pacific, North America, Africa and Europe. Headquartered in Singapore, it is a member of Singapore-listed UOL Group Limited.

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts delivers sincere and graceful service to every guest with a passion for excellence.

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Hotels & Resorts is driven by our passion for life and sustainability.

PARKROYAL Hotels & Resorts is distinguished by its passion for people and places, immersing every guest into local and authentic cultures.

Visit www.panpacific.com.

About Pan Pacific DISCOVERY  

Pan Pacific DISCOVERY is a loyalty programme designed to enhance every guest experience. Members can savour the benefits of DISCOVERY Dollars (D$), a user-friendly digital rewards currency, granting exclusive discounts on room rates, dining experiences, and more. With each tier progression, members elevate their status to unlock enhanced privileges and the opportunity to earn and spend D$ on premium hotel amenities and experiences, including Pan Pacific Hotels Group-owned dining outlets worldwide. Pan Pacific DISCOVERY is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotels with 40 brands and over 800 hotels around the world. To become a member, visit panpacific.com.   

1.Perth Airport redevelopment set for take-off, Western Australian Government

2. Stat Data Explorer (BETA) • Visitor arrivals and resident returns, Selected Countries of Residence/Destinations

3. Australia MICE Market Size, Share & Trends, Report 2033

** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **

Pan Pacific Hotels Group Unveils Transformation of Pan Pacific Perth

Pan Pacific Hotels Group Unveils Transformation of Pan Pacific Perth

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