Marsh, an insurance broker and risk advisor and a business of Marsh McLennan, has announced the appointment of James Addington-Smith as CEO of Marsh UK.
Pending regulatory approval, Addington-Smith is expected to assume his new position in early 2026.
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Addington-Smith will be based in London, UK, and will take over from Chris Lay, who is scheduled to retire as Marsh UK and Marsh McLennan UK CEO in the first quarter of 2026 after more than four decades at the company.
Marsh noted that the appointment of a new Marsh McLennan UK CEO will be announced at a later date.
Addington-Smith will report to Flavio Piccolomini, CEO of Marsh McLennan International.
In his capacity as CEO, Addington-Smith will guide the strategic direction and execution of Marsh’s commercial activities in the UK.
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By GlobalDataThis includes oversight of risk management, corporate and commercial client services, risk consulting and specialty insurance broking.
He will also coordinate with Marsh McLennan’s leadership to deliver the company’s offerings in strategy, risk and workforce matters to clients.
Addington-Smith said: “It is 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 AI.”
Addington-Smith has been with Marsh since 2010, initially serving as Marine leader for Asia, following previous experience as a senior marine insurance broker in both Hong Kong and London.
Currently, he is Marsh Asia president and has held several leadership roles including leading Marsh Specialty in Asia.
Once Addington-Smith transitions to his new role, the current Marsh McLennan Asia CEO will take on the additional responsibility of Marsh Asia president.
Marsh CEO and president Martin South said: “James 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.
“I would also like to thank Chris for his tremendous contributions and impact on our firm, and his many years of leadership in our industry.”
