Gallagher UK boss to succeed Jane Kielty as Biba deputy chair

Biba has appointed Gallagher UK chief executive Michael Rea as its next deputy chair.

Rea is set to take up the role from 6 January at the first Biba board meeting of 2026, succeeding Aon UK chief executive Jane Kielty, who has reached the end of her tenure as deputy chair.

Biba chief executive Graeme Trudgill said the association thought it was an “honour” to have senior figures from the broking sector willing to take on governance roles, adding that Rea would bring experience of the UK broking landscape.

Trudgill said: “It is a great honour for Biba to be able to have brokers of such stature willing and able to play a key role in our governance structure.

“Rea will bring all of his great experience and knowledge around the current landscape of UK broking to help us continue to work for our members.”

Rea added: “The more Biba can do to advocate for the unique role that brokers play in providing insurance, risk management advice and support during the claims process, the better.

”Given Gallagher’s extensive presence across the UK, I am delighted to have been invited to join the board and help shape Biba’s agenda of championing and promoting insurance brokers of all sizes and areas of expertise.”

Stepping back but staying on

Outgoing deputy chair Kielty said she had “loved” helping to shape the direction of Biba over the past three years, confirming that she would remain on the board.

She said: “Though I am stepping down as deputy chair, I will be continuing on the board and look forward to seeing what our priorities are going forward.”

Trudgill also thanked Kielty for her contribution during her tenure, noting her ongoing role as chair of Biba’s insurance brokers’ standards committee.