Marsh has appointed James Addington-Smith as UK CEO, beginning early next year.  

He will oversee commercial strategy for businesses including risk management, risk consulting and specialty broking services.  

Mr Addington-Smith has been with Marsh since 2010, most recently as Asia president from March 2023.  

“James is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of client-focused innovation, working with both specialty and retail clients,” Marsh president and CEO Martin South said.

“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.”  

Mr Addington-Smith will take over from the retiring Chris Lay, who was also Marsh McLennan’s UK CEO.

The group says Mr Addington-Smith will not take the Marsh McLennan role and a replacement will be announced in due course.  

Mr Addington-Smith will report to Marsh McLennan international CEO Flavio Piccolomini.  

Marsh McLennan Asia CEO David Jacob will take Mr Addington-Smith’s former role.