Marsh has appointed James Lean as the new leader of its UK transportation and logistics industry practice, bringing a 20-year veteran of Barclays Corporate Banking into the risk and insurance sector.
Lean will serve as UK transportation and logistics industry leader for Marsh Risk. Based in London, he will report to Charles Beresford-Davies, Marsh’s UK industries leader.
In the newly created role, Lean will use Marsh’s risk, data and advisory capabilities to develop strategies for transportation and logistics clients across the UK, according to the firm.
Transportation and logistics sector faces mounting pressures
Lean’s appointment comes as UK logistics operators continue to deal with rising costs, tight margins, supply chain disruption and increasing pressure to strengthen operational resilience.
According to Logistics UK’s 2025 report, businesses in the sector typically operate on margins of just 1% to 3%, meaning additional cost pressures can have a significant impact on already stretched operators. The report also estimates that logistics contributes £170 billion in gross value added to the UK economy and supports approximately 2.7 million jobs.
The appointment reflects a wider focus within the insurance and broking sector on developing specialist transportation expertise. Earlier this year, Marsh Risk appointed James Crask as global supply chain practice leader.
Lean’s arrival also follows a broader leadership reshuffle at Marsh, including the appointment of James Addington-Smith as CEO of Marsh UK.
Marsh’s existing UK haulage and logistics offering covers areas including cargo, fleet and third-party network risks, supporting operators across the supply chain.
Lean’s new position is expected to further strengthen the firm’s sector-focused approach as transportation and logistics businesses navigate ongoing cost pressures, supply chain challenges and growing resilience requirements.
