Markel strengthens its AI capabilities and operational excellence with Maureen Tomlinson leading the new AI Centre of Enablement, supporting responsible adoption across its global businesses
Markel International, a division of Markel Insurance, has announced the appointment of Maureen Tomlinson as Head of AI, coinciding with the launch of its AI Centre of Enablement. This strategic step establishes Markel’s first formal AI function and highlights the company’s continued investment in operational excellence.
The AI Centre of Enablement (CoE) is designed to accelerate responsible AI adoption across Markel International’s five businesses, serving as both a strategic partner and technical delivery hub. Operating within the International Portfolio Analytics team, led by Managing Director Simon Cooper-Williams, the CoE provides education, advisory support, coordination, and governance, alongside AI engineering to deliver practical, high-quality AI solutions tailored to real business needs.
Tomlinson will combine her new Head of AI responsibilities with her current role as Senior Vice President of Operations for Markel Canada. She will guide the division’s AI strategy, help senior leaders identify opportunities, and drive the delivery and adoption of AI solutions. Based in Toronto, she will collaborate closely with the International Portfolio Analytics team, IT, and Change Delivery, enhancing operational capabilities and digital transformation while improving tools for brokers and clients.
Carys Lawton-Bryce, Chief Operations Officer of Markel International, noted that AI represents a step-change technology with significant potential to support profitable growth. She emphasized that successful adoption requires strong governance, business understanding, and responsible deployment. The AI Centre of Enablement will ensure adoption is safe, scalable, and business-led while meeting regulatory expectations.
Simon Cooper-Williams added that the CoE strengthens operational foundations and furthers the company’s AI journey. He highlighted Tomlinson’s leadership and deep business knowledge, underscoring her role in fostering consistency and clarity in AI development and deployment across the five international businesses.
Tomlinson brings extensive experience in operations, technology, and change management. Since 2023, she has overseen Markel Canada’s technology strategy and the execution of tools, data, pricing, support processes, and facilities for policy and claims services. Prior to Markel, she spent 11 years at Verisk (formerly Opta Information Intelligence) as Senior Vice President of Sales & Professional Services, managing analytics solutions for actuarial and underwriting teams across Canada. Her previous roles also include Vice President of Analytics and R&D, Vice President of Production Solutions and Operations at Verisk, and leadership positions at Economical Insurance Group.
Markel Insurance is a leading global specialty insurer with a people-first approach. As the insurance operations of Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), the company leverages diverse capabilities and expertise to provide intelligent solutions for complex specialty insurance needs. Its global differentiation comes from the valued relationships developed by its people with colleagues, brokers, and clients.
Source: Markel
