The candidate has previously worked at Aviva as its director of distribution, partnerships

Broker Marsh has appointed former Towergate chief executive of commercial underwriting David Bruce as the new chief executive of Marsh Commercial.

Bruce will begin in his new role on 1 January 2022, subject to regulatory approval. He will also join Marsh’s UK and Ireland executive committee.

He succeeds Anthony Gruppo, who is retiring from the industry in early 2022.

Bruce will report to Alistair Fraser, chief executive of UK corporate at Marsh.

Fraser said: “Bruce is an exceptional leader and has been instrumental in shaping the development of Marsh Commercial’s services and solutions for the UK’s small and medium-sized businesses over the last three years.

“He brings extensive broking and underwriting experience to the role and, under his guidance, Marsh Commercial is well placed to continue to help clients navigate the risks they face and continue to thrive.”

Shaping clients’ futures

In his new role, Bruce will oversee Marsh Commercial’s UK-wide network of 50 offices, as well as the Enterprise Centres of Excellence that provide insurance broking, risk management and employee benefits solutions to individuals and businesses.

Bruce added: “UK SMEs have been faced with unprecedented challenges over the last 18 months and their resilience to shocks associated with the pandemic has been tested to the limit.

“As we begin to move towards recovery, I look forward to working with my Marsh Commercial colleagues in helping them shape our clients’ futures and contribute to their success.”

Bruce initially joined Marsh Commercial in 2018 as chief operating officer, although his career in insurance overall spans more than 30 years.

Prior to joining Marsh, Bruce served as chief executive of commercial underwriting at Towergate Insurance.

Before this, he was chief executive of insurance intermediary Cullum Capital Ventures and director of distribution, partnerships at Aviva.

Chris Lay, chief executive of UK and Ireland, Marsh, said: “Bruce will play a key role in delivering the very best of Marsh and Marsh McLennan to small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.

“On behalf of the business and our colleagues across Marsh, I would like to thank Gruppo for his tremendous leadership, dedication and service and wish him well for the future.”