London, UK – August 28, 2025, Westfield Specialty International, a prominent player in the specialty insurance market, has named Melanie Gilbert as its new head of third-party claims, bolstering its leadership team with a seasoned legal expert. The appointment, announced on August 27, comes at a time of significant executive transitions for the company, as it continues to expand its operations in the Lloyd’s of London market. Gilbert, who brings over 15 years of experience in the legal and insurance sectors, will be based in London and report directly to Katie MacGregor, the director of operations (interim) and head of claims.
In her role, Gilbert will oversee third-party claims across Westfield Specialty International’s diverse portfolio, managing a team dedicated to handling complex and high-value cases. This includes fostering strong relationships with external stakeholders such as brokers, reinsurers, and legal partners to ensure efficient resolution and superior customer service. MacGregor praised the hire, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Melanie to our high-performing claims team at Westfield Specialty International. Our dynamic and highly skilled team of claims professionals are experts in their field with an average of over 20 years of experience handling specialty claims in the insurance industry.” She added that Gilbert’s “exceptional technical knowledge and expertise, as well as her proven track record of managing complex claims, makes her an exciting addition to lead our third-party claims handling.”
Gilbert joins from Markel, where she served as senior counsel since 2020, specializing in complex claims and litigation. Her career highlights include roles as a supervising associate and solicitor advocate at Simmons & Simmons, a legal secondee at StarStone Insurance, and a solicitor advocate at CMS Cameron McKenna. This deep legal background positions her to navigate the intricacies of specialty insurance claims, particularly in areas like financial lines, professional liability, and excess casualty—key pillars of Westfield’s offerings.
The move underscores Westfield Specialty International’s commitment to investing in talent and enhancing its claims capabilities as it grows. MacGregor highlighted the company’s culture as a draw, noting, “The fact we are able to attract individuals of Melanie’s calibre is testament to our reputation for sustained investment in our people and the stand-out appeal of the Westfield culture.” Westfield Specialty International, part of the broader Westfield Insurance group founded in 1848, entered the international specialty market in 2021 through the acquisition of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1200 from Argo Group for $125 million. It now underwrites in lines such as E&S property, excess casualty, financial institutions, and management liability, leveraging the stability of its U.S.-based parent with the global reach of Lloyd’s.
However, the appointment arrives amid notable leadership changes. Earlier this month, chief operating officer and chief administrative officer Jiyan Zora departed the company, following the announcement of international CEO Graham Evans’ exit on October 1. Evans, a 35-year veteran of the London market who joined in 2022 to lead the international platform, is leaving after overseeing significant growth, including a 13% rise in first-half 2025 gross written premiums. A search is underway for his successor to helm international operations and Syndicate 1200.
Despite these transitions, Westfield remains focused on strengthening its claims management and customer service amid a competitive landscape. The specialty insurance sector has seen robust demand, with Westfield Specialty binding $120 million in gross written premiums in its first year and targeting $250 million in 2022, while continuing to expand into cyber and professional liability lines. Gilbert’s expertise is expected to play a key role in maintaining the company’s reputation for handling “hard-to-place” risks, from environmental exposures to multinational cyber threats.
Industry observers view the hire positively, as it aligns with broader trends in specialty insurance toward enhanced claims expertise to meet evolving regulatory and client demands. As Westfield navigates these changes, Gilbert’s leadership could help stabilize and innovate the third-party claims function, ensuring the company remains a go-to provider for brokers and clients in the global market.