The latest leadership appointments across the insurance industry include changes in aviation and space broking at Marsh, financial institutions at Gallagher, capacity management at HIVE Underwriters, and digital transformation at Bspoke Commercial.
Marsh Appoints Chief Executive of UK Aviation and Space
Marsh has appointed Ed Gold (pictured, left) as chief executive of UK aviation and space at Marsh Risk, effective January 1, 2027. Based in London, he will report to Dominic Samengo-Turner, chief executive of UK specialty.
Gold joined Marsh in 2016 and currently serves as deputy chief executive of UK aviation and space. He brings more than 17 years of industry experience and will succeed Tony Ambrose, who will remain with the business as global chairman of aviation and space.
The appointment comes amid challenges in the aviation sector, including hoax bomb threats disrupting flights across Europe and increased scrutiny of war risk coverage. Gold’s internal promotion, alongside Ambrose’s continued involvement as chairman, signals leadership continuity for clients and market partners. The move also follows Marsh’s marine leadership succession announcement earlier this month.
HIVE Underwriters Appoints Kenrick Aldrich as Head of Capacity Management
Specialty managing general agent (MGA) HIVE Underwriters has appointed Kenrick Aldrich (pictured, centre) as its head of capacity management. He becomes the company’s first appointment from the broking market, having previously served as a director at Howden Re.
In his new position, Aldrich will establish and lead an in-house capacity management function. His responsibilities will include developing HIVE’s independent panel of insurers and Lloyd’s syndicates to support its multi-class specialty business.
The appointment follows HIVE’s recent expansion of its property direct and facultative team. Establishing a dedicated capacity management function is expected to strengthen long-term insurer relationships and provide greater confidence in capacity availability as the MGA continues to grow.
Bspoke Commercial Names Ian Newman Director of Digital and Transformation
Bspoke Commercial has appointed Ian Newman (pictured, right) as its director of digital and transformation. Reporting to Wayne Tonge, managing director of commercial and delegated authority, Newman will oversee Bspoke Online and the company’s Acturis E-Trade capability.
Newman brings more than 20 years of experience working across insurers, brokers and MGAs. Launched in 2025, Bspoke Online enables brokers to obtain quotes and manage policies digitally at any time. The platform has since grown to more than 3,000 users.
Bspoke’s strategy of supporting transactions through brokers’ existing software, alongside its own online platform, aims to make specialist insurance products easier and faster to place. Efficient digital trading is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage for brokers.
Gallagher Appoints Head of Retail for Financial Institutions Practice
Gallagher has appointed Rawden Leigh (pictured immediately above) as head of retail within its financial institutions practice. He will lead the company’s offering for retail financial institutions across the UK and Europe, reporting to David Rogers, managing director of financial institutions.
Leigh joins Gallagher from Marsh, where he spent seven years as a managing director in its FINPRO practice. Most recently, he led Marsh’s UK private capital and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) business. His previous experience also includes positions at WTW, Lockton and Howden.
Financial institutions are facing growing exposures in areas such as private credit and motor finance redress. Leigh’s appointment brings experienced leadership from a competing broker and strengthens Gallagher’s position in the financial lines market, particularly among private capital clients.
