Chris Lay to retire from the business in Q1 2026
Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor and a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), today announced the appointment of James Addington-Smith as CEO of Marsh UK. Subject to regulatory approval, Mr. Addington-Smith will take up his new role early in 2026 and report to Flavio Piccolomini, CEO, Marsh McLennan, International. He will be based in London.
As CEO of Marsh UK, Mr. Addington-Smith will lead the strategic development and execution of Marsh’s UK commercial strategy, which encompasses its risk management, corporate and commercial client segments, risk consulting services, and specialty insurance broking solutions. He will also work closely with Marsh McLennan’s leaders to deliver the firm’s market-leading capabilities across risk, strategy, and people to clients.
Mr. Addington-Smith succeeds Chris Lay, who also serves as CEO of Marsh McLennan UK, who will retire from the firm in Q1 2026 after over 40 years of service. A new CEO of Marsh McLennan UK will be announced in due course.
Mr. Addington-Smith joined Marsh in 2010 as Marine Leader, Asia, following several years working as a senior marine insurance broker in Hong Kong and London. Mr. Addington-Smith is currently President of Marsh Asia and has held a succession of senior leadership roles, including Leader of Marsh Specialty in Asia. Before entering the commercial sector, he served as an officer in the British Army. Upon taking up his new responsibilities, David Jacob, CEO of Marsh McLennan Asia, will assume the additional role of President of Marsh Asia.
Commenting on the appointment, Martin South, President & CEO of Marsh, said: “James is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of client-focused innovation, working with both specialty and retail clients. 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. I would also like to thank Chris for his tremendous contributions and impact on our firm, and his many years of leadership in our industry. We look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead as Chair of the London Market Group and Insurance United Against Dementia.”
Mr. Piccolomini added: “James’ strong leadership credentials and dedication to clients find opportunities in risk make him ideal to lead our UK operations. I would also like wish Chris well for the future. He has held senior executive roles across Europe, the Middle East, North America, and globally as well as the UK and will leave an enduring legacy, particularly for his strong work ethic and focus on culture.”
Mr. Addington-Smith commented: “It’s an honour to return home to lead Marsh’s UK business at a time when organisations are navigating commercial challenges such as economic volatility and inflation, while also deciding how best to take advantage of emerging technologies such as AI. I’m excited by the opportunity to work with Marsh’s talented UK colleagues to deliver the innovative services and solutions that enable our clients and their communities to thrive.”
