RICHMOND, Va., March 19,
2024 /CNW/ -- Alan Kirshner, 88, former Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Markel Group Inc.
(NYSE: MKL), passed away on March 17,
2024.
Kirshner joined Markel in 1960 and played a substantial role in
transforming the company from a privately held regional insurer to
a family of businesses with global reach. He joined the Board of
Directors in 1978 and became Chairman and CEO in 1986, the same
year Markel became a public company. Kirshner served as CEO through
2015, became Executive Chairman in 2016, and then became Chairman
Emeritus in 2020. Over that period, the company grew from less than
300 associates to more than 20,000 today.
"This is a sad day," said CEO Tom
Gayner. "It's hard to put into words the legacy and impact
of Alan Kirshner. He was as savvy
and hard-working a leader as anyone I ever met, but it was his
commitment to people that really set him apart. Alan was by nature
a builder and dedicated his life to building a company that could
serve others for generations to come. In doing so, he taught us
that there is nothing more important in business and life than
treating people with kindness and respect. It's a lesson and legacy
that we'll never forget."
Kirshner was the lead author of a cultural creed that the
company calls the Markel Style. The statement, which stands
unchanged since being written in 1986, captures the values that
define Markel Group's culture—including their zealous pursuit of
excellence, sense of humor, honesty, disdain for bureaucracy, and
commitment to communities. The latter of which Kirshner reinforced
with his own community investments, including starting the Faison
School for autistic children and the Partnership for the Future
program to help students in underserved communities attend
college.
"Words alone cannot express my gratitude for having been his
friend and partner for the last 64 years," said Vice Chairman
Tony Markel. "He was the consummate
leader…kind, caring, generous, respectful, and above all a great
listener. As the author of the Markel Style, his legacy is assured
endurance."
Chairman of the Board Steve Markel added, "I worked side-by-side
with Alan for nearly five decades. He was a visionary, challenging
leadership and the organization to embrace change, innovate,
create, and strive for a better way. Through the Markel Style, his
spirit and principles will live forever within Markel Group."
About Markel Group
Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL) is a diverse family of companies
that includes everything from insurance to bakery equipment,
building supplies, houseplants, and more. The leadership teams of
these businesses operate with a high degree of independence, while
at the same time living the values that we call the Markel Style.
Our specialty insurance business sits at the core of our company.
Through decades of sound underwriting, the insurance team has
provided the capital base from which we built a system of
businesses and investments that collectively increase Markel
Group's durability and adaptability. It's a system that provides
diverse income streams, access to a wide range of investment
opportunities, and the ability to efficiently move capital to the
best ideas across the company. Most importantly though, this system
enables each of our businesses to advance our shared goal of
helping our customers, associates, and shareholders win over the
long term. Visit mklgroup.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Markel Group