Stroud arrives at Markel with 18 years of industry experience, most recently serving at AXA XL, where she focused on oil, gas, and energy transition risks. In her new capacity, she will collaborate with Rhys O'Neill, Head of Marine Liability, to oversee multi-line facilities and refine risk mitigation strategies. McFarlane joins from Tokio Marine HCC International with eight years of sector experience. She will focus on product evolution, developing new policy wordings, and deepening broker engagement.

Both professionals report to Grant Smith, who leads the Marine Transportation division. This business unit integrates Hull and Hull War, Marine & Energy Liabilities, and Transport & Logistics portfolios. Smith noted that the team’s expansion reflects a commitment to technical precision in an increasingly volatile global landscape. Stroud highlighted the necessity for innovative, tailored solutions to address current geopolitical instability and energy security concerns, while McFarlane emphasized her focus on enhancing the firm's client proposition through product development.