Markel Group Inc. (NYSE) has announced the appointment of Jack Eastwood as Senior Underwriter for Cyber, effective immediately. This strategic move underscores Markel’s commitment to enhancing its product offerings and underwriting expertise within its insurance operations. Eastwood joins the Cyber & Technology team in London, where he will work closely with cyber leadership to shape the company’s underwriting strategy.
In his new role, Eastwood will play a crucial part as a senior underwriting leader, overseeing various aspects of the Markel Cyber & Technology portfolio. His appointment is expected to further bolster Markel’s underwriting services, allowing the company to better serve its broker partners and end-clients.
Eastwood brings over 13 years of experience from AIG, where he began as a financial lines underwriter specialising in professional liability and cyber risk. He later progressed to the position of Team Leader – Cyber & Technology, where he honed his skills in underwriting and risk management. Prior to his tenure at AIG, he worked as a broker at Griffiths & Armour for more than four years, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the insurance industry.
Based in Markel’s London office, Eastwood will report directly to Dan Fox, the Head of Cyber at Markel. Fox expressed his enthusiasm about Eastwood’s arrival, stating, “I’m delighted to announce Jack Eastwood has joined our London Cyber team in a senior underwriter capacity. His deep sector knowledge and expertise complement our existing cyber underwriting capabilities and will help position us for further profitable growth.”
Fox emphasised that Eastwood’s contributions will be vital in continuing to provide effective service to clients and brokers, noting the increasing importance of cyber insurance in today’s digital landscape.
Christopher Burgess, Director of Cyber at Markel, also welcomed Eastwood, highlighting the value of his cross-functional skill set in broking, financial lines underwriting, and portfolio management. Burgess noted that Eastwood’s experience would be crucial as the company aims to drive profitable growth in both the UK and international markets.
The appointment of Eastwood aligns with Markel’s strategy to invest in top-tier talent to enhance its offerings in the competitive insurance sector. As the demand for cyber insurance continues to grow, Markel’s proactive approach in strengthening its team is a clear indication of its commitment to being a leading insurer and a trusted risk management partner.
With cyber threats evolving rapidly, the need for comprehensive and effective insurance solutions is more critical than ever. Markel’s investment in experienced professionals like Eastwood positions the company to meet these challenges head-on while maintaining its reputation for excellence in service delivery.
As Eastwood settles into his new role, the industry will be watching closely to see how his expertise and leadership will influence Markel’s strategies and client offerings in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber insurance.
