DAC Beachcroft partner Toby Vallance (pictured) has been elected as London FOIL president for 2023.
“Toby is a long-time member of London FOIL’s executive committee and knows the London Market inside out – he is perfectly qualified to take the helm and lead the organisation during these uncertain times of financial turmoil across the globe,” said Forum of Insurance Lawyers chief executive Laurence Besemer.
“From growing expectations on insurers to prove they are paying more than lip service on ESG (environmental, social, and governance), to meeting lofty demands that the industry will support the clean energy transition, the London Market is set to be the bastion for progressive change in the corporate world, and I have every confidence that Toby will lead London FOIL with great success.”
London FOIL is the wider organisation’s division that is in charge of supporting the insurance and reinsurance law firms and lawyers working in the London Market. Aside from its role in the transition to clean energy usage, London FOIL will also be focussing on areas such as the development of the Protect Duty legislation and the impact of the upcoming appeals over COVID-19 business interruption claims.
“It is a privilege to be appointed as president of London FOIL in what is sure to be a challenging year ahead,” commented Vallance, who is succeeding Birketts’ Gavin Coull. “The London Market is facing global risks not seen at a level since the Cold War – we’re entering unfamiliar territory, and new and innovative solutions are needed to tackle these new challenges.
“I’m looking forward to working with Laurence and the membership to ensure that both FOIL and London FOIL can effectively help our insurer clients meet the demands facing the sector.”
Vallance brings 16 years of insurance experience to the post. He will be supported by incoming London FOIL vice president Fleur Rochester, who is a partner at Kennedys.
