Markel, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. has appointed Sebastian Rice as a Senior Underwriter and head of Business Development for Europe ? in a strategic move that will accelerate growth across Markel's trade credit portfolio, while strengthening the businesses' leadership position within the excess of loss (XoL) trade credit market. Based at Markel's London office, Rice will lead the organisation's business development activities in Europe which includes serving key relationships with global clients, as well as identifying new territories to grow the trade credit portfolio of business.

Concurrently, Rice will be responsible for establishing and fostering long-term broker relationships and educating them on the benefits of taking out Markel's trade credit insurance policies. Rice possesses over 20 years of experience in the trade credit industry, having spent the past decade at QBE Europe, where he was previously head of Commercial Underwriting. Prior to this position, he held roles with Allianz Trade and Atradius, respectively, and has acquired deep sector knowledge ?

both on the risk and commercial side ? which complements Markel's 'dual pen' approach to delivering high service levels for trade credit customers through best-in-class underwriting. In his new position, Rice will report to Phil Amlot, Senior Underwriter and head of Portfolio ?

Global ? Trade Credit at Markel International.