Insurance Times rounds up the most significant appointments, hires and leadership developments from 7 to 11 September 2026

Among this week’s biggest people moves was Realty Insurances appointing Gary Duggan as non executive chair, with effect from 1 October 2026.

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Duggan said: ”I look forward to working with the executive leadership, the board and the wider team as Realty continues to build on its heritage and develop its partnership approach for clients across real estate, rural economy and private client markets.”

In reinsurance news, Willis Re appointed Neil Eckert as chief executive as the specialist reinsurance broker looks to accelerate growth across its global broking and advisory operations.

Joining from Bermuda-based reinsurer Conduit Re, which he co-founded in 2020, Eckert will lead the firm’s global strategy and work alongside its leadership team to drive expansion across its reinsurance platforms. 

Next, Dickson Group made multiple senior appointments to support its new growth strategy targeting £100m in gross written premium (GWP) by 2030.

Led by managing director Ashley Dickson, the group appointed Liam Foley as business improvement director, overseeing technology and process development, Michael Gray as finance director and Richard Garrad as sales director.

Then, The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (Foil) 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.

Finally, Aviva appointed Amanda Thomson as branch manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland as the insurer continues to strengthen its regional broker proposition.

In her new role, Thomson will oversee trading activity across Scotland and Northern Ireland, leading a team of more than 50 underwriters based in Aviva’s Glasgow and Belfast offices. She will report to Patrick Flannery, head of trading for Aviva’s north region.

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