Marsh & McLennan Companies announced that James Addington‑Smith will become chief executive officer of Marsh UK, with the transition taking effect on January 1, 2026. Addington‑Smith joins the role after serving as president of Marsh Asia, where he led the firm’s commercial insurance and risk‑management activities across the region.
The appointment comes as Marsh McLennan rolls out its “Thrive” program, a three‑year initiative aimed at generating roughly $400 million in cost savings and reinvesting the proceeds in technology and talent. The program’s launch is synchronized with the company’s rebranding to a single “Marsh” brand, a move that will take effect in early 2026 and underscores the firm’s focus on AI and data‑analytics capabilities.
Addington‑Smith succeeds Chris Lay, who has been CEO of Marsh UK for more than four decades and is retiring in the first quarter of 2026. Lay’s departure marks the end of an era, and the leadership change signals Marsh’s intent to accelerate its digital transformation and expand its commercial insurance footprint in the UK.
In a statement, Addington‑Smith said, “It is 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 artificial intelligence.” He added that he looks forward to working with Marsh’s talented UK colleagues to deliver innovative services that help clients and communities thrive.
Marsh’s UK operations are a key hub for insurance broking and innovation, and the new CEO’s international experience is expected to strengthen the firm’s global network. By aligning the UK leadership with the broader Thrive strategy, Marsh aims to deepen its market share, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate the adoption of AI‑driven solutions across its commercial and specialty lines.
The leadership transition reflects Marsh’s broader strategy to consolidate its brand, streamline operations, and invest heavily in technology. The appointment positions the firm to better serve clients amid economic uncertainty while positioning it for long‑term growth in a rapidly evolving insurance landscape.
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