A Message From Our Founder

40 years in the industry — learning, global travel and a sense of belonging to something very special

2026 marks my 40th year in the insurance industry — and I still find that quite difficult to believe.

When I first joined the industry in 1986, I could never have imagined the career that would follow. A career of constant learning, global travel, extraordinary experiences, amazing friendships and, perhaps most importantly, a real sense of belonging to something much bigger than any one firm.

Over four decades, I’ve been fortunate to do things, visit places and meet people that I would never have dreamt of when I first started out. I can honestly say it has been an amazing journey.

Where it all began

My first role was with a broker called Bain Dawes, which later became Bain Clarkson, then Bain Hogg, before being acquired by Aon in 1996. During almost 20 years with Aon, I worked across Reinsurance, Retail, Commercial and International, heading up claims teams, operations and much more. It was the year the current Lloyd’s Building opened.

We all tend to have a class of business that shapes us, and mine was Construction, Engineering & Power. That opened my eyes to a whole new world and allowed me to be involved in some of the largest and most fascinating construction projects around the globe, from major infrastructure schemes to high-end commercial property developments.

I often say to young people considering a career in our industry that we don’t only learn about insurance and risk management here. Very often, we also learn a second industry through the class of business we specialise in. That is one of the great privileges of what we do.

Learning, travel and transformation

Aon kindly supported many years of study and professional qualifications, whilst working, and I was also fortunate to qualify as a Mediator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, which took me around the world helping to resolve disputes.

I then spent more than seven years running the Market Practice and operations function at HSBC Insurance Brokers, visiting and helping to reshape operations in various countries, while also sitting on a number of Lloyd’s and Market committees. It was a fascinating period, particularly as the Market was working through important transformations such as Contract Certainty, ECF, A&S and more.

When HSBC Insurance Brokers was acquired by Marsh, I moved across and spent a year working with the Executive Team before leaving to start LMF.

Going beyond what was expected

It has been an incredible four decades, and throughout that time I’ve always tried to go beyond what was expected — whether for clients, colleagues, firms or the wider Market.

I’ve always believed that life is about what you put in, and I see many young professionals in the Market today who understand the value of going above and beyond in exactly the same way. I pushed myself early on to step outside my comfort zone and talk on stages to groups of people, even at a young age, which would lend itself well to what would follow.

People and community

When I reflect on the highlights of the last 40 years, it won’t surprise anyone who knows me that “people” and “community” sit right at the top of the list.

The friendships, networks and connections I’ve made in the London Market and around the world have been both valuable and deeply enjoyable. Some clients, colleagues and LMF Practitioner Members have become close friends — and, in some cases, even holiday companions in later years.

The privilege of founding and running LMF

Starting and running LMF for more than a decade has allowed me to continue enjoying the very best of this community. Each year, I meet thousands of wonderful professionals who are all playing their part in an ever-changing world, and I still find that inspiring, refreshing and energising.

Through LMF, I’ve tried to add real value to the Market — helping people and companies to learn, grow, connect and collaborate. Of course, one of the highlights is producing and hosting the Market People Awards, which is a true celebration of talent and excellence in our Market. This has grown year on year to be one of the most valued events in the EC3 calendar.

I also take immense pride in partnering with charities each year that results in LMF, with the much valued help of our community, giving back to the wider society. Each year we nominate a charity and through monies raised at the awards and other events, we’ve now raised over £65,000 for good causes.

A heartfelt thank you

So, as I mark 40 years in this remarkable industry, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you to the colleagues, clients, friends, mentors, supporters, members and market professionals who have made the journey so enjoyable.

We are very fortunate to work in such a unique, community-focused environment — and after 40 years, I still feel very proud to be part of it.

About LMF

LMF - London Market Forums is a leading community hub for thought leadership, professional collaboration, networking and market engagement across the Lloyd's and London Insurance Market. LMF brings together practitioners, senior leaders, experts, innovators and corporate partners through forums, roundtables, practice groups, events, publications and community-led initiatives.