Insurance lawyer body appoints new chief executive

The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (Foil) has appointed insurance industry veteran Mark Huxley as its new chief executive, effective from 1 October 2026.

Huxley, who has worked with Foil as a London market special adviser since 2018, will succeed Laurence Besemer, who is stepping down after 17 years with the organisation. Besemer will remain at Foil until the end of 2026 to support the leadership transition.

Huxley brings nearly 50 years of experience across the insurance and financial services sectors, having held roles spanning frontline claims, the Lloyd’s market, regulation, operations, claims management and consultancy.

The appointment comes as insurers and legal advisers face growing challenges linked to artificial intelligence, automation, fraud, regulation, litigation funding and wider economic pressures.

Huxley said he was “delighted” to build on the foundations established by Besemer and that his priorities would include ensuring the body remains a strong voice for its members, as well as increasing engagement across the legal and insurance sectors.

He added: “Foil is a hugely respected organisation and I am proud to be taking it into its next chapter. Having spent my career within the insurance market, I understand the wider horizon of the UK insurance sector, while my years working with Foil have given me a deep understanding of its members and the issues that matter to them.”

Besemer’s legacy

Besemer joined Foil in 2009 and has overseen a period of growth that expanded the organisation’s reach across multiple insurance lines and specialist legal disciplines.

During his tenure, Foil broadened its membership to include in-house legal professionals and expanded into new territories, including Ireland.

Reflecting on his time at the organisation, Besemer said he was proud of Foil’s reputation as an independent voice within the insurance legal community.

“Huxley knows Foil extremely well and has worked with us for many years,” he said.

”He understands the market, he understands the organisation and he brings his own ideas and perspective. I am confident that Foil is in very good hands.”