VP, Product Line Leader - Property

VP, Product Line Leader – Property

Location:

Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Employment type:

Full Time. Posted Yesterday. Requisition : R0022317.

We are seeking a strategic underwriting leader to drive the profitable growth and technical maturity of our Property product line in Canada. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of Markel Canada’s Property portfolio, influence broader organizational strategy, develop innovative market propositions, and strengthen our presence across specialty areas, customer segments, and distribution channels. You will be responsible for the overall health of the Property portfolio, including strategy, technical underwriting, portfolio management, exposure (and Nat Cat) management, and leadership.

As a senior leader, you will collaborate with other product line leaders, Field distribution teams, and other functional teams across global operations. Working closely with the Markel Canada leadership team, you will join a values‑driven culture with integrity and accountability at its core, with significant onward career opportunities.

This is a new role and an exciting opportunity to join a growing and ambitious business in a high‑impact and visible role at a pivotal time in our journey. You will help shape the future of Markel Canada’s Property portfolio, influence broader organizational strategy, develop innovative market propositions, and strengthen our presence across specialty areas, customer segments, and distribution channels. You will be responsible for the overall health of the Property portfolio, including strategy, technical underwriting, portfolio management, exposure (and Nat Cat) management, and leadership, while driving greater growth, cohesion and optimization across the book.

• Oversee the Property portfolio and lead the development and execution of the Property underwriting strategy, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.
• Develop, communicate, and execute organizational goals and objectives established by the President & Managing Director and SVP of Underwriting.
• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, mentorship, and support to field Property underwriting teams to achieve best practices and technical excellence.
• Manage technical wordings, product development, and underwriting guidelines for the portfolio, including layered and shared policy structures, monitoring authority, updating guidelines, and conducting periodic audits.
• Raise the profile of Markel in the Canadian market, including through thought leadership, attending industry events and building strong external relationships, including with brokers and clients.
• Oversee account referrals above field underwriting authority, ensuring consistency and technical rigor.
• Lead all aspects of natural catastrophe (Nat Cat) underwriting and management, including aggregate monitoring, catastrophe modeling, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Proactively identify new market opportunities and product offerings, including innovative solutions for complex and CAT‑exposed risks.
• Foster collaboration with Markel colleagues in Canada and internationally to align strategies and share best practices.
• Champion a positive and collaborative team culture, driving high performance and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with actuarial, claims, risk services, and executive leadership to drive portfolio performance and elevate underwriting practices.
• Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities to support profitable growth.
• Champion innovation, process improvement, and best practices across the portfolio.

• Proven ability to leverage data and analytics in underwriting strategy towards the improvement of underwriting results.
• Extensive experience in Property underwriting, including layered and shared policy structures, and technical leadership positions.
• Strong technical expertise in Property coverage forms, including the proven ability to craft new products.
• Proven track record of managing large, complex portfolios and executing profitable growth strategies.
• Deep technical expertise…