Insurance Business UK has published its inaugural Industry Icons list, recognising 12 individuals who have each dedicated at least 35 years to building the UK insurance market.
The list is not a measure of performance in a single year. It is a recognition of careers - specifically, careers spanning at least 35 years, and in several cases more than five decades, spent building the UK insurance market into something its customers, colleagues and successors can rely on.
Beginning in February 2026, Insurance Business UK invited insurance professionals from across the country to nominate outstanding industry veterans. To be eligible, nominees were required to have at least 35 years of experience working in the UK insurance industry. There was no restriction on the type of role, sector or organisation, with the list open to professionals working across broking, underwriting, claims, loss adjusting, MGA leadership, insurer operations, trade associations and beyond. Both self-nominations and nominations submitted by colleagues, peers or industry contacts were accepted.
The IB editorial and research teams then reviewed each nomination against five criteria: distinguished service to the profession; leadership and inspiration within the sector; mentoring and guiding future generations; active contribution to industry associations; and visionary strategies or innovations that have made a lasting impact on the industry. Nominees had to demonstrate strength across all five areas to be included in the final list.
Twelve individuals met that threshold.
Among the honourees are:
For the full list of icons, check out the report here.
The nomination and research process gathered data that reveals several patterns across the 2026 cohort.
Longevity: The majority of honourees entered the industry between 1980 and 1999, with seven of the 12 starting their careers in the 1980s alone. Two honourees began their careers in the 1960s and 1970s respectively. Eight of the twelve have been in the industry for between 35 and 40 years; two fall in the 41–45-year range; and two have careers exceeding 46 years, one of whom entered insurance in 1969 and has remained active ever since.
Sector diversity: Commercial broking and MGA or underwriting leadership each account for four honourees. Trade association stewardship accounts for two, with loss adjusting and insurer operations each represented by one.
ESG engagement: Six of the 12 honourees are actively involved in spearheading ESG initiatives, whether through formal board commitments, embedded organisational programmes or direct involvement in standards development. A further five did not disclose ESG activity through the nomination process.
Diversity: Only one honouree is currently an active member of a formally constituted racial diversity group, committee or initiative. Six confirmed they are not; five did not disclose. The report describes this as a significant gap - not a criticism of the individuals recognised, but a clear signal about where the senior leadership of the UK insurance market has further work to do.
The full report, including individual profiles, extended Q&As with Howard Pepper and Tim Smyth, the complete data section and full methodology, is available now.
