Markel seeks Asia Pacific head with Stobbs to return to UK

By Scott Vincent

April 4 - (The Insurer) - Markel's managing director for Asia Pacific Christian Stobbs is to relocate back to the UK by the end of 2025, with a process now under way to recruit a replacement.

Sources close to the company told The Insurer that Stobbs has notified Markel's senior leadership team of his decision to return to the UK for personal reasons, with the company considering internal and external candidates to take over the role.

Stobbs joined Markel in 2015, becoming managing director for the Asia Pacific region four years later.

His next role is yet to be confirmed, but Stobbs is expected to remain with Markel following his return to the UK. Stobbs is set to remain in his existing position until a successor has been appointed.

In a statement, Andrew McMellin, managing director, wholesale – international at Markel, praised Stobbs for growing the company's Asia Pacific operation from a $40 million gross written premium business to one that will hit $250 million by year-end.

"Today, the business spans nine offices in seven territories, writes 20 classes of business, employs 150 colleagues, and attracts the very best talent in the region. I’m very grateful for all he’s done to build the business to where it is and have no doubt he’ll be a huge success in his next role within the Markel family,” the statement said.