The biggest people moves this week

Among the moves this week, the fallout from John Neal’s collapsed appointment at AIG continued, with filings confirming he would receive a £2.06m payout despite not taking up the role.

The update followed reports that AIG pulled Neal’s appointment after learning Lloyd’s was conducting a fact-finding review into an alleged historic workplace relationship. Lloyd’s said its chair, Sir Charles Roxburgh, commissioned the review after becoming aware of speculation and that “new information” had recently emerged.

• Neal set to be paid $2.7m by AIG despite not joining insurer

Elsewhere, Apollo confirmed a reshuffle within its marine, energy and transportation division, with long-standing head of MET Simon Mason set to retire on 1 January 2026.

Martin Jackson, currently class leader of aviation, will be promoted to head of MET while retaining his existing responsibilities. In addition, Mark Phythian will become deputy head of MET and Ciara Sheikh will step up to class leader of cargo.

• Apollo promotes for new head of MET as Mason steps down

Meanwhile, specialty MGA Rokstone expanded its cyber leadership with the appointment of Lucy Barker-Hahlo as deputy head of cyber for its newly established London cyber unit.

Barker-Hahlo will join following her notice period at Mosaic Insurance, where she served as vice president of cyber underwriting and cyber team lead. She previously worked at Emergin Risk, part of Ryan Specialty, and will support Debbie Hobbs, who recently joined to lead the new unit.

• Aventum-owned MGA adds cyber expertise to new London unit

Another notable move saw Exance appoint former Jensten wholesale managing director Simon Taylor as its new chief executive. The London-based MGA, which specialises in construction insurance and financial lines, said Taylor’s leadership would “elevate the company to the next level of success”.

Taylor previously held senior roles at Pen Underwriting and Clear Group and left Jensten in 2024 following a strategic restructure aimed at supporting future acquisitions.

• Former Jensten wholesale managing director joins MGA as chief executive

Finally, Hood Group announced a leadership transition, with Simon Hood stepping down as chief executive to become a non-executive director. The broker appointed Gary Duggan as interim executive chairman while it searched for a permanent chief executive.

As part of the changes, Hood Group also appointed Paul Pestell as chief financial officer, with current non-executive chair Andy Homer moving into a non-executive director position.

• Hood Group announces leadership reshuffle as chief executive steps down