’It is very appropriate that someone with such a strong international career will lead our strategically important UK business,’ says president and chief executive
Marsh has appointed James Addington-Smith as its new UK chief executive, with Chris Lay having decided to retire from the firm.
Addington-Smith, who joined Marsh in 2010 as marine leader for Asia, will take up his new role in early 2026 and be responsible for leading the strategic development and execution of the UK commercial strategy.
This encompasses Marsh’s risk management, corporate and commercial client segments, risk consulting services and specialty insurance broking propositions.
He will also work closely with Marsh McLennan’s leaders to deliver the firm’s capabilities across risk, strategy and people to clients.
Addington-Smith, who will be based in London, said: “It’s an honour to return home to lead Marsh’s UK business at a time when organisations are navigating commercial challenges such as economic volatility and inflation, while also deciding how best to take advantage of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
“I’m excited by the opportunity to work with Marsh’s talented UK colleagues to deliver the innovative services and solutions that enable our clients and their communities to thrive.”
Lay retires from firm
Meanwhile, Lay, who also serves as chief executive at Marsh McLennan UK, will retire from the firm in Q1 2026 after over 40 years of service.
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A new chief executive of Marsh McLennan UK will be announced in due course.
Martin South, president and chief executive at Marsh, said: ”I would like to thank Lay for his tremendous contributions and impact on our firm and his many years of leadership in our industry.
”We look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead as chair of the London Market Group and Insurance United Against Dementia.”
Speaking about Addington-Smith’s appointment, South added: “He is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of client-focused innovation, working with both specialty and retail clients.
“It is very appropriate that someone with such a strong international career will lead our strategically important UK business, a global centre for insurance broking and innovation.”
Addington-Smith is currently president of Marsh Asia and has held a succession of senior leadership roles, including leader of Marsh Specialty in Asia.
Before entering the commercial sector, he served as an officer in the British Army.
In his new role, he will report to Flavio Piccolomini, chief executive at Marsh McLennan International.
Piccolomini said: “His strong leadership credentials and dedication to [help] clients find opportunities in risk make him ideal to lead our UK operations.
“I would also like wish Lay well for the future. He has held senior executive roles across Europe, the Middle East, North America and globally, as well as the UK, and will leave an enduring legacy, particularly for his strong work ethic and focus on culture.”
His career began in 2019, when he joined a local north London newspaper after graduating from the University of Sheffield with a first-class honours degree in journalism.
He took up the position of deputy news editor at Insurance Times in March 2023, before being promoted to his current role in May 2024.View full Profile
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