Insurance Times rounded up the most significant appointments, promotions and leadership changes from 17 to 21 November 2025.
Among the moves this week, Lloyd’s confirmed it had launched an investigation into alleged historic breaches of policy following the collapse of John Neal’s planned move to AIG.
Lloyd’s said chair Sir Charles Roxburgh commissioned an independent fact-finding review after becoming aware of speculation around a possible historic issue, with the marketplace confirming that “new information” had recently emerged.
The development followed reports that AIG withdrew Neal’s forthcoming appointment as its president after learning of an alleged workplace affair during his time at Lloyd’s.
Elsewhere, Marsh announced that James Addington-Smith would become its new UK chief executive after the long-serving Chris Lay confirmed plans to retire in early 2026.
Addington-Smith, who joined Marsh in 2010 and currently serves as president of Marsh Asia, will take responsibility for the broker’s UK commercial strategy and wider leadership across Marsh McLennan.
Meanwhile, Aviva strengthened its combined personal lines leadership team with the hire of Rachel Purchase, who was named chief underwriting officer for Direct Line Retail.
Purchase, currently director of data and analytics at Admiral, will take responsibility for pricing and underwriting across Direct Line’s direct and PCW brands, including Direct Line, Churchill and Privilege, from February 2026.
Markel also made headlines this week after launching a new construction and engineering practice within its international division, accompanied by three senior hires.
The practice will provide construction all risks and erection all risks products worldwide, with Anna Woolley appointed director for construction, Keely Madden joining as head of erection all risks, and Simon Marshall hired as engineer to support underwriting and risk analysis.
Finally, Lloyd’s confirmed its latest Council line-up following the close of its election cycle, with BMS Group’s Richard Dudley re-elected and Dale Underwriting Partners’ founder Duncan Dale set to join the governing body from February 2026.
The appointments followed the decision by long-standing Council member Andrew Brooks to step down after nine years of service.
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