Markel Group (NYSE:MKL), Inc. (NYSE: MKL) is a diversified financial holding company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1930 by Samuel and Manny Markel, the company has grown from a regional specialty insurer into a global enterprise. Markel’s core business is specialty insurance and reinsurance, underpinned by a disciplined underwriting approach and a long‐term investment philosophy. The company operates as a holding company, with its shares publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
In its insurance segment, Markel underwrites a broad range of niche products, including casualty, property, professional liability, agricultural, marine, and directors and officers coverage. The company focuses on underserved markets and specialized risks, providing tailored solutions through both admitted and surplus lines carriers. Markel also collaborates with managing general agents (MGAs) and wholesale brokers to enhance distribution and develop customized insurance programs.
Markel’s reinsurance operations complement its primary insurance offerings, writing treaty and facultative business through regional platforms in Bermuda and Europe. The reinsurance team leverages actuarial expertise and diversified risk selection to support peer insurers with property, casualty, and specialty treaty capacity. In addition, Markel serves clients in Canada, the United Kingdom, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, reinforcing its global footprint.
Beyond insurance and reinsurance, Markel Ventures acquires and operates businesses outside the insurance sector, spanning manufacturing, consumer products, IT services, and leisure. This segment enables Markel to apply its capital allocation principles to long‐lived, cash‐generative enterprises. The company’s executive leadership, headed by President and CEO Thomas S. Gayner, brings deep industry expertise and a long‐term perspective. Markel is governed by an independent board of directors committed to maintaining underwriting discipline and financial strength for its policyholders and shareholders.
