Markel taps double talent to helm wholesale and retail business

Specialist insurer  Markel has appointed double talent to the office in a bid to address the unique needs of its wholesale and retail business models.

Wendy Houser (pictured bottom) has been named chief wholesale officer, with Sarah Gavlick (pictured up) becoming Markel’s chief retail officer.

Houser was most recently the chief territory officer for Markel Specialty where she was responsible for overseeing underwriting and production in western US. She had previously held the position of regional president for the Mid South Region before being promoted to that role in 2020. Houser joined Markel in 2008.

Prior to her new role, Gavlick held the position of chief territory officer, East, for Markel Specialty where she oversaw underwriting and production for the eastern half of the US. Before that, she had served as regional president of the Northeast Region. She joined the firm in 2004.

The duo will report to Bryan Sanders, the president of Markel Specialty, who said: “Sarah Gavlick and Wendy Houser have been integral in shaping our current Specialty business model. I am looking forward to their continued leadership as we drive increased dedication, focus and accountability within both the wholesale and retail channels.”

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