Gallagher has announced a series of leadership changes across its UK operations, appointing Michael McLaverty as head of its Belfast office and expanding Mark Holmes’ responsibilities to include oversight of the Bristol office.
McLaverty assumed the Belfast role on January 1, having joined Gallagher in 2022 as an account director. He brings more than 25 years of industry experience, having started his career at Marsh before spending 15 years with Willis Towers Watson.
In his new position, McLaverty will lead a team of 50 colleagues providing risk management and insurance services to businesses across Northern Ireland. He succeeds Shane Matthews, who has transitioned into an account director role focused on major regional clients. McLaverty will report to Mark Kerry, regional managing director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Holmes, who joined Gallagher in 2011 following the acquisition of Heath Lambert, has been appointed managing director of the Bristol office in addition to his existing oversight of the Swindon and Gloucester locations. The Bristol office employs more than 100 professionals delivering insurance, risk management and consulting services.
Holmes succeeds Andrew Ferguson, who is retiring after nine years leading the Bristol office, having joined the firm in 2014. In his expanded role, Holmes will report to Cheryl Philips, regional managing director for the South West.
Gallagher said its South West operations have experienced significant growth following the completion of the AssuredPartners acquisition in summer 2025, which added 12 locations and more than 150 team members.
Gary Fletcher, managing director of commercial at Gallagher, paid tribute to Ferguson, marking the end of a 30-year professional association that included time working together at John Eke and Partners and Oval prior to Ferguson’s move to Gallagher.
Gallagher operates more than 60 offices across the UK and Ireland, providing insurance and risk management solutions to mid-market organisations.
