Markel Announces New Unit and Appointment of John Latham

Markel Corporation announced plans for the formation of a new United States operating unit to be headed by John Latham, most recently, president of the Colony Insurance Group.

This new underwriting division will be headquartered in Richmond, Virgiinia and will concentrate on casualty facultative opportunities. Detailed business plans are currently being discussed and it is expected that the unit will commence operations in early 2003.

Latham has over 36 years of insurance industry experience, including service as executive vice president and COO of Markel Service Inc., Markel’s then existing brokerage subsidiary, from 1989 to 1991. Latham has also served as a director, since 1993 and president for the 2000-2001 term, of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices.