RICHMOND, Va., April 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Corporation (NYSE: MKL) announced today that Matt Parker will be succeeding Greg Thompson as President of Markel Specialty effective April 1, 2015. Parker, who most recently served as Managing Executive, Markel FirstComp, joined Markel in 2010 when Markel acquired FirstComp. Parker will continue to be based in Markel's Cranston, Rhode Island, office and will report directly to F. Michael Crowley, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Markel Corporation.

Thompson will assume a new role with Markel supporting the growth of the company's Program Administrator business, working out of Markel's Kennesaw, Georgia, office.

Parker has broad business building experience across a number of different industries, distribution models, and geographies. He joined FirstComp in 2006 after 15 years with Gillette and Procter & Gamble, where he served in numerous leadership capacities. Over his career, Parker has led regional and global business units out of Boston, London, and Germany. Since being acquired by Markel, Parker and his team have consistently improved results.

"Matt has made significant contributions to Markel, and I am delighted that he will assume this new role. I am also gratified that Greg will remain an active member of the Markel family, focusing his energy on building programs," commented Crowley.

About Markel Corporation
Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company's businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so that it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value. To learn more, please visit Markel Corporation at markelcorp.com.

About Markel Specialty
Markel Specialty underwrites specialty insurance for a variety of niche markets, providing property and casualty, workers compensation, accident and health, personal lines, and admitted and non-admitted property and casualty coverages through its program administrator facility. Visit Markel Specialty at markelinsurance.com.

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SOURCE Markel Corporation

Paul Broughton, 804-527-7618, pbroughton@markelcorp.com

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