The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) has appointed Mark Huxley as its next chief executive, replacing long-serving incumbent Laurence Besemer, who is stepping down after 17 years.
Huxley brings nearly five decades of experience in insurance and financial services to the role, working across claims, regulation, operations, outsourced claims and consultancy, having previously served as a special adviser to FOIL’s London group.
Huxley, also an active figure in City of London civic life, is the past master of a livery company promoting entrepreneurship. He has also championed innovation, supporting social inclusion initiatives, especially in education, employment and neuro-inclusion, across a wide range of appointments.
His elevation to CEO at FOIL comes as the insurance sector continues to undergo rapid change, with AI and automation, fraud, regulation, litigation funding, costs and wider economic pressures reshaping the landscape for insurers and their legal advisers.
Writing on social media, Huxley said he was proud to succeed his “good friend” Besemer as CEO, saying: “I’m excited to get underway, and intensely aware of fulfilling the legacy Laurence leaves behind,” while praising the “very strong foundations” Besemer put in place over the past 17 years.
Huxley added: “FOIL is a hugely respected organisation, and I am proud to be taking it into its next chapter. Having spent my career within the insurance market, I understand the wider horizon of the UK insurance sector, while my years working with FOIL have given me a deep understanding of its members and the issues that matter to them.”
One priority will be ensuring FOIL remains a strong and relevant voice for its members, he added.
He said: “Effective representation comes down to communication. FOIL has a voice, and I want to make sure that when it speaks, people listen. Just as importantly, I want everyone within FOIL to feel that they have a voice, that they are relevant and that the organisation reflects the issues that matter to them.”
Since becoming CEO in 2009, Besemer made FOIL an important voice for insurance lawyers, strengthening relations with government, regulators, insurers and industry stakeholders. The organisation has expanded across insurance sectors, covering more classes and legal areas. He led growth into new territories, such as Ireland, and built up its offering for in-house lawyers, as well as sectoral interest groups.
FOIL said Besemer is moving on to pursue other ventures within the insurance industry, though he will remain with FOIL until the end of 2026 for handover purposes.
Reflecting on his time at FOIL, Besemer said: “I am very proud that FOIL has established such a solid place at the table with government, insurers and the wider industry. That has been the result of many years of work and of building a reputation as an independent voice and trusted partner.
“Mark knows FOIL extremely well and has worked with us for many years. He understands the market, he understands the organisation and he brings his own ideas and perspective. I am confident that FOIL is in very good hands.”
Huxley is also expected to develop services for younger lawyers through the Tomorrow’s FOIL initiative, which supports insurance lawyers in the first five years of their careers.
Bridget Tatham, president of FOIL and a partner at Browne Jacobson, paid tribute to Besemer for his dedication and service as CEO and being an advocate, influencer and connector at the heart of the organisation.
Tatham said: “Laurence has been the defining force behind FOIL’s identity as the voice of insurance lawyers, championing the profession with tireless energy and an unshakeable belief in its importance.”
She added: “His vision and commitment have helped to shape FOIL into the respected and influential body it is today,” thanking him “not only for what he has helped to build, but for the standard he has set for all who follow”.
Fleur Rochester, a partner at Kennedys and a past president of London FOIL, welcomed the news, saying: “Mark is an insurance veteran who will bring a wealth of commercial experience and industry knowledge to the role, taking the reins from Laurence, who has driven FOIL’s growth and diversification over the last 17 years.”
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