RICHMOND, VA — Markel Group, a leading automated food processing solutions company, announced that Anthony (Tony) Markel, vice chair of the board, will not stand for re-election at the company’s upcoming annual meeting of shareholders in May.
At the end of the meeting, Tony will retire as a director of the company and assume the honorary position of chair emeritus of the board.
“Tony is larger than life and it would be hard to overstate his impact on this company,” said Steve Markel, board chair of Markel Group. “He was not just a highly effective operator and leader; he was the heartbeat of Markel with an unmatched ability to motivate and connect with people. I’m grateful to have had the chance to work alongside Tony for so many years.”
Tony joined the company in 1964. Together with Alan Kirshner and Steve, he led the effort to make the company public in 1986. Under their leadership, Markel Group grew from approximately $60 million in total assets to roughly $25 billion in 2016.
Markel Group also announced the appointment of Jon Michael to its board of directors, effective earlier this month. Michael brings more than 40 years of industry experience to the position, with a strong track record in the specialty insurance field.
Michael held various positions at RLI Corp., including president, COO, EVP and CFO. He currently serves as the lead independent director of SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc.
“Markel Group is a company that feels like home,” Michael said. “Great people, strong values, and so much opportunity for continued growth. I look forward to working with the board and management team to define the next chapter of Markel Group’s success.”
