A number of senior appointments across the UK and EMEA insurance and claims markets highlight ongoing investment in leadership, operations and talent, as firms continue to position themselves for growth.
Markel appoints UK chief operations officer
Markel, the insurance division of Markel Group, has appointed Lee Dainty as chief operations officer for its UK business, effective April 7, 2026.
In his new role, Dainty will lead the company’s operational strategy, with a focus on enhancing service delivery for brokers and clients while driving continued investment in core capabilities.
He brings more than 30 years of industry experience, having most recently served as vice president of commercial claims at Intact and RSA prior to its acquisition. Dainty will join Markel’s UK executive team and report to Mooney.
McLarens bolsters EMEA leadership
McLarens has announced the appointment of Louise Butcher to its EMEA senior management board as executive director, effective April 1.
Butcher, who joined the firm three years ago, has played a key role in developing cross-market opportunities and supporting its wider strategic direction. She will continue to head forensic accounting across the region while also taking on executive responsibility for selected strategic initiatives and growth programmes.
The firm also confirmed that executive director David Gillan will retire at the end of April 2026, in line with long-standing plans. After nearly 20 years with McLarens, he is expected to take a short break before returning in a consultancy role.
Brown & Brown names talent acquisition director
Brown & Brown (Europe) has appointed Peter Jackson as director of talent acquisition.
Jackson joins from Hanover, where he was a partner in the financial services practice, leading senior executive search assignments across the EMEA insurance and P&C specialty markets. With over 20 years of experience, he specialises in senior hires across finance, risk, technology, operations and regulatory functions within the global insurance sector.
He began his career as a Lloyd’s broker and brings deep market insight, along with a strong understanding of the leadership capabilities required in an increasingly technology- and regulation-driven environment. Jackson has built a broad international network and has led assignments across the UK, Europe, the US and Asia-Pacific.
