Broker appoints ex-Tesco Insurance leader as new non executive chair

Realty Insurances has appointed Gary Duggan as non executive chair, with effect from 1 October 2026.

The independent risk advisory and insurance broker said the appointment forms part of its ongoing development as it seeks to strengthen its specialist proposition across the real estate, rural economy and private client sectors.

Duggan brings more than four decades of experience across insurance and financial services. His career includes senior leadership roles at Tesco Bank, where he served as chief insurance officer before becoming chief executive of Tesco Insurance and Money Services. More recently, he held the position of interim executive chairman at Hood Group.

His previous experience also includes senior roles at Saga, BGL, Towergate, Barclays, GE and HBOS.

Duggan has served as a non executive director at Realty since May 2024 and said he was looking forward to taking on the chair role.

He added: “I am delighted to take on the role of non executive chair of Realty, having served as a non executive director since May 2024. It is a distinctive business with deep specialist expertise, a strong service culture and a clear focus on helping clients protect what matters most.

”I look forward to working with the executive leadership, the board and the wider team as Realty continues to build on its heritage and develop its partnership approach for clients across real estate, rural economy and private client markets.”

Succession

Duggan succeeds Nick Scarles, who is stepping down after six years in the role.

Scarles will remain involved with the business as a non executive director to support continuity at board level.

John Dilley, managing director at Realty, said: “I would also like to thank Scarles for his leadership as chair and for the guidance he has provided to Realty.

”We are pleased that he will remain on the board as a non executive director, ensuring continuity as we continue to focus on long-term partnerships, transparent advice and protecting our clients’ assets and legacy.”

He added: “Duggan’s appointment as non executive chair marks an important next step for Realty.

“His breadth of leadership experience across insurance and financial services will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the business, deepen our specialist advice and deliver the clarity and responsiveness our clients expect.”