Company welcomes four industry leaders to spearhead growth in key international market

SAN FRANCISCO, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BPM LLP, one of the United States’ 35 largest public accounting and advisory firms, is achieving a major milestone in its global journey with expansion to the United Kingdom (UK). This strategic move reinforces BPM’s commitment to providing market-leading knowledge and expertise to international businesses who require unparalleled support across the US and UK markets for continued growth and success.

With its new presence in the UK, BPM is creating a comprehensive and integrated offering that allows international companies to access a full suite of audit, tax and advisory services. By operating in both locations, BPM is now uniquely positioned to offer a seamless experience for cross-border businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, providing vital support as they navigate entering new markets and international expansion.

To lead this initiative, BPM is pleased to welcome four distinguished partners, each bringing deep industry knowledge:

• Adam Dunnett
• Dominic King
• Sean O’Sullivan
• Nick Whitehead

“Expanding into the UK is a natural next step in BPM’s global growth strategy,” said Jim Wallace, CEO of BPM. “With its robust infrastructure, thriving talent pool, and dynamic tech and financial sectors, the UK remains a top destination for international businesses. With our expanded presence, we are well-positioned to help clients seize new growth opportunities with high-quality accounting and consulting services.”

BPM will become a leading UK inward investment specialist, providing accounting and tax guidance to both first time expansions and established businesses seeking local knowledge. With a focus on sectors such as enterprise software, fintech, and professional services, the firm will leverage its global insights and deep technical insight to become a long-term advisor to clients navigating this international space.

“This is a natural fit. With an aligned focus on people – clients, colleagues and communities, launching BPM’s organic expansion into the UK is such an exciting opportunity for us. We now have a dedicated team on the ground who embody the BPM values and we’re more capable than ever of supporting international businesses,” said the UK partner group. “Whether it’s payroll and HR, tax compliance, advisory or audit services, our global presence ensures that our clients receive coordinated, high-quality support as they expand globally.”

This expansion advances BPM’s continued global growth, building on the Firm’s momentum following its recent formal entry into Canada in June 2024. As BPM accelerates its international presence, it remains dedicated to attracting top talent, fostering innovation, and delivering forward-thinking solutions to its diverse client base. With a team of over 1,200 professionals across more than 35 U.S. states and key global markets including India, Canada, and now the UK, these strategic moves enhance BPM’s capabilities and knowledge-base and strengthen its ability to serve clients worldwide.

For more information about BPM in the UK, please visit https://www.bpm.com/uk/. 

About BPM LLP
BPM LLP is one of the 35 largest public accounting and advisory firms in the United States, with offices domestically and internationally. Recognized as one of IPA‘s 100 Fastest-Growing Firms, BPM works with clients in the consumer business, financial and professional services, life science, nonprofit, real estate, technology, and wine and agribusiness industries. As a Certified B Corp, BPM’s diverse perspectives, expansive industry knowledge and progressive solutions come together to create exceptional experiences for individuals and businesses around the world.

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PORTO, Portugal, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sonae (Euronext Lisbon: SON), the Portuguese-headquartered multinational group with leading market positions across key sectors, announced record financial results for the full year 2024. The group’s revenue increased by 18%, reaching €9.95 billion, driven by strengthened market leadership in retail, sustained organic growth, and strategic acquisitions.

EBITDA also grew substantially, surpassing €1 billion, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose by 18% to €223 million on a comparable basis. The group’s investments reached a historic €1.589 billion — more than double the previous year — supporting both strategic acquisitions and organic expansion.

“2024 was a fantastic year for Sonae, and I am fully convinced that we have the foundations to achieve even greater success in the future” said Cláudia Azevedo, CEO of Sonae. “Expanding our portfolio and strengthening our core businesses led to reach two important milestones: group sales reached ca.€10bn, increasing by 18% year-over-year, and EBITDA surpassed €1bn. Investments were strategically managed to support value creation opportunities, including enhancing our digital capabilities, expanding our businesses, and executing key portfolio moves,” concluded Cláudia Azevedo.

Sonae continues to demonstrate solid progress in its commitment to sustainable growth and long-term value creation. In 2024, 86% of the group’s long-term financing lines were indexed to sustainable, green, or ESG performance criteria. Operational CO₂ emissions were reduced by 19% compared to 2022, and recyclable plastic packaging for private label products reached 90%.

Community support also increased, with €34 million invested in initiatives focused on food donations and education. Diversity remains a priority, with women now occupying 41% of leadership positions. Additionally, Sonae has proposed a dividend of 5.921 euro cents per share, reflecting a 6.5% dividend yield and a payout ratio of 52% of consolidated net income attributable to the group.

The Sonae group comprises:

• The leading food retail chain in Portugal, with more than 1,000 stores and 4.5 million active loyalty card members.
• The Iberian Peninsula’s largest health, wellness, and beauty retail operator, with over 800 stores and annual revenues of €1.5 billion.
• Portugal’s leading electronics retailer, expanding its European footprint through its growing technology repair services network.
• An international real estate specialist, co-controlling Latin America’s largest shopping centre operator.
• Portugal’s second-largest telecommunications provider, leading the country’s 5G deployment.
• An active technology investor, with a high-tech portfolio valued at €323 million.

Listed on Euronext Lisbon, Sonae employs more than 57,000 people and has a six-decade legacy of responsible growth recognised by its inclusion in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook, its strong CDP ratings, and its listing in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. Its mission remains to create long-term economic and social value, bringing the benefits of progress and innovation to an ever-increasing number of people.

Find out more at www.sonae.pt

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LONDON, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Markel, the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced that it has made three internal promotions and hired a Technical Claims Lead to further enhance its award-winning Wholesale Claims service for brokers, insureds and trading partners.

The quartet of appointments include Dan Thomas, who’s joined the business as Marine Technical Claims Lead, where he’ll work closely as part of Markel’s Marine Liability Claims team with the underwriters by providing feedback on policy wordings and claims insights for both renewal and new business, while fostering relationships with broker partners. He’ll also collaborate with the business’ Actuarial and Outwards Reinsurance teams, making sure that they’re kept abreast of key developments.

Thomas brings a wealth of industry experience and expertise to his role, spanning more than two decades. Previously, he was Head of Marine Claims at Helvetia Global Solutions UK, where he was responsible for managing claims across the organisation’s marine portfolio. Prior to this role, Thomas worked for QBE European Operations/British Marine as Head of Technical Adjusting and Steamship Mutual P&I Club. Across these posts, he’s gained extensive experience in the marine insurance sector, including marine liability, protection and indemnity, hull and machinery and war.

Based at Markel’s London office, Thomas will report to Tim Warren, Claims Manager – Marine Liability.

Complementing Thomas’s appointment, Markel has promoted Debbie Larkin to Claims Manager – Energy, Liability and Terrorism, effective March 31. In this role, she’ll be responsible for the businesses’ Upstream, Midstream and Downstream Energy claims, along with claims written as part of Markel’s Sustainable Energy, Conventional Power and Terrorism portfolios. She will lead a dedicated team of claims handlers, maintaining fast response times to resolve claims matters and help to streamline processes to offer an enhanced service for clients. 

Larkin has been with Markel for almost two years’, spending this time managing all levels of claims within the organisation’s Energy, Liability and Terrorism business classes. Previously, she spent 15 years as a lawyer advising insurance carriers on coverage, defence and policy wordings – bringing cross-functional expertise to the business.

Meanwhile, Rachel Tighe has been promoted to Claims Manager – Professional Indemnity (PI), effective immediately. In her new position, Tighe’s principal duties will include managing the PI Wholesale Claims team, ensuring they continue to provide a market-leading claims service, ensuring closer broker interaction, and supporting other members in her team with their professional development.

Tighe joined Markel over five years ago, starting at the business as a senior claims adjuster for Markel’s PI team, before progressing to Assistant Claims Manager – PI. As a qualified solicitor with more than 14 years of experience in PI and insurance, Tighe brings a wealth of knowledge to the role of Claims Manager – PI. Prior to her arrival at Markel, Tighe worked as a Claims Solicitor at AmTrust Europe Ltd., where she specialised in solicitors PI, financial services PI and construction PI.  

The third promotion is Natalie Myhill, who will assume the role of Claims Manager – Financial Institutions (FI). Her primary objectives will involve managing the FI Wholesale Claims team by supporting them in resolving complex claims matters for FI and Fintech clients. She will also carry on building strong relationships with Markel’s broker network and collaborate with the organisation’s FI and Fintech underwriting teams – keeping them abreast of important claims trends and developments, so they can continue providing tailored coverage to support their clients’ evolving risk exposures.

Myhill is a seasoned claims professional with 14 years of experience within the London and Lloyd’s markets. She joined Markel in 2020, before receiving two promotions in short succession from Senior Claims Adjuster to Assistant Claims Manager – FI, and now her latest post as Claims Manager – FI and Fintech. Before joining the organisation, she was employed at Sompo International as an AV, Senior Claims Examiner, where she specialised in the Professional Indemnity, D&O and FI classes of business.

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In addition to their day-to-day responsibilities, Myhill and Tighe are co-founders of Markel’s and DAC Beachcroft’s joint initiative ‘Mentoring the Market (MTM)’, which was launched five years ago to support knowledge transfer and professional development among claims and legal professionals within the insurance sphere. It is their positive contributions both inside and outside of Markel which have led to Myhill and Tighe’s recent appointments.

Based at Markel’s London office, Tighe and Myhill will report to Jonathan Pestell, Head of Claims – Specialty, and Larkin will be managed by Thomas Upton, Head of Claims – Marine, Energy and Casualty at Markel.

Speaking of Thomas’s arrival, Warren comments: “Evolving risks, inflationary pressures and ongoing international supply chain disruptions are continuing to bring uncertainty and an increase in claims for marine insurers. Dan’s impressive background and technical expertise in handling complex claims will be of significant importance as we continue to support clients during these uncertain times through our best-in-class claims service and expertise. We look forward to seeing him take our claims service forward in 2025 and beyond.”

Building on Warren’s sentiment, Chris O’Shea, Managing Director – International Claims, says: “Increasing geopolitical tensions, combined with ongoing regulatory and technological developments, are spearheading the demand for insurance cover and a more technical and pragmatic approach to settling claims disputes across various shorttail and longtail lines.

“Throughout their career journeys at Markel, Debbie, Rachel and Natalie have demonstrated exceptional leadership, stakeholder management and delivered a best-in-class service for broker partners, particularly in light of the economic headwinds that the insurance market will continue to face into the future. With their deep sector knowledge and expertise, I’m looking forward to seeing them elevate Markel’s Wholesale Claims operation by leading their respective teams and continuing to deliver a nimble and value add service as we position ourselves for further profitable growth.

O’Shea concludes: “We’re also very excited to enhance our expertise with the addition of Dan Thomas. With the increased pressures from social inflation, litigious plaintiff bars and more complex operating environments, Markel has recognised the need to continue to evolve its claims service to best support our clients. The new Technical claims lead role and Dan’s experience will be invaluable in ensuring we can assist clients when they need us the most.”

About Markel
We are Markel, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we operate the Markel Specialty, Markel International, and Markel Global Reinsurance divisions, as well as State National, our portfolio protection and program services operations, and Nephila, our insurance-linked securities operations. Our broad array of capabilities and expertise allow us to create intelligent solutions for the most complex risk management needs. However, it is our people—and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers and clients—that differentiates us worldwide.

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