Markel Group Inc. announced that Phil Schmidt has been appointed Chief Strategy Officer. Effective June 26, 2024, Schmidt will lead Markel's Global Strategy team. Schmidt, based in Bermuda, joined Markel in October 2023 as a Managing Director.

Schmidt's responsibilities will include engagement with major strategic initiatives and corporate development activities that are pursued across Markel globally. Additionally, he will work closely across Markel and its State National and Nephila divisions on initiatives that address clients' most complex risk management needs by leveraging the power of the company's platform insurance, reinsurance, fronting and insurance-linked securities. Prior to Markel, Schmidt served as managing director for Burg, a boutique investment bank providing M&A, fundraising and strategy consulting services.

During his 13 years with Burg, he took on roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as Chief Investment and Strategy Officer for Babbel AG and SVP, Strategy for Pearson PLC. Schmidt holds degrees from the University of Freiburg, the University of Bedfordshire and an MBA from London Business School.