Markel, a division of the Markel Group, has announced the immediate appointment of Dena Furmanek as Senior Underwriter for Fine Art in North America. Based in the Chicago area, Furmanek will report directly to Kyle McGrath, the Head of US Fine Art. In her new role, Furmanek will be responsible for supporting the profitable expansion of Markel’s North American Fine Art insurance portfolio, aligning her efforts with the company’s strategic growth plans for its International Marine & Energy division. She will handle underwriting and servicing new and renewal business while also developing closer relationships with clients and brokers across the region.
Prior to joining Markel, Furmanek built over nine years of experience at MarketScout, most recently serving as Vice President – Fine Art & Collections, where she managed the firm’s fine art business operations. Her career at MarketScout began in 2015 when she joined as an underwriter and progressed steadily to senior underwriting and managerial roles. Furmanek also has over a decade of experience working in administrative roles at various organizations, including QBE North America. This extensive background provides her with a robust foundation in underwriting and client servicing, positioning her well for the new challenges at Markel.
Strategic Implications for Markel
Markel, a part of the Markel Group, has announced the appointment of Dena Furmanek as Senior Underwriter for Fine Art in North America, effective immediately. Based in Chicago, Furmanek will directly report to Kyle McGrath, Head of US Fine Art. In this role, she will support the profitable growth of Markel’s North American Fine Art insurance portfolio, in line with the strategic objectives of the company’s International Marine & Energy division. Her responsibilities include underwriting and managing new and renewal business, while fostering stronger relationships with clients and brokers in the region.
Before joining Markel, Furmanek spent over nine years at MarketScout, where she held the position of Vice President – Fine Art & Collections, managing the firm’s fine art operations. She began her career at MarketScout in 2015 as an underwriter and rose to senior underwriting and managerial roles. Additionally, Furmanek has more than a decade of experience in administrative positions at various organizations, including QBE North America. This extensive experience equips her with a solid foundation in underwriting and client service, preparing her well for the new role at Markel.