Several organisations, including Markel, Pension Insurance Corporation, AXA XL, and the Personal Finance Society, have announced leadership changes.
The Personal Finance Society (PFS) has appointed Alan Whittle and Adam Harper (both pictured above) as directors of the organisation.
Whittle, a Chartered Financial Planner and fellow of the PFS with 20 years of experience in financial services, has previously served as chair of the PFS North Scotland Region and as a CII National Forum Officer for Scotland. Harper, who joins as executive director of strategy, advocacy and professional standards at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Group, replaces Gill White, who retired from the CII Group and the PFS Board at the end of 2025. The board also confirmed the extension of Ian Callaghan’s (also pictured) term of office for a further year.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Alan and Adam to the PFS Board. Their knowledge, passion and insight will help us to meet our existing goals and drive new ambitions,” said Carla Brown, PFS chair and president.
Dr Helen Phillips, CII Group chair, said the appointments “further strengthen the combined expertise of the PFS Board as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead for the financial planning profession.”
Markel, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc., has appointed Jamie Smith (pictured immediately above) as London underwriting manager – US cyber lead.
Based in London, Smith will manage the US Cyber segment of Markel’s London Market Cyber portfolio, working alongside actuarial teams on portfolio analysis and strategic planning. His responsibilities include leading broker engagement, overseeing pipeline management, and mentoring junior underwriters within the London Cyber and Technology Professional Indemnity (PI) team. He will report directly to Dan Fox, head of cyber at Markel International.
Smith brings more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, specialising in cyber and technology errors and omissions risks. Prior to joining Markel, he spent four years as a senior cyber underwriter at Arch Insurance International and has previously held underwriting roles at Barbican Insurance Group and CFC Underwriting.
“The US cyber market is complex and presents fast-evolving opportunities. With cyber consistently cited as a top priority for businesses globally, including in Aon’s recent Global Risk Management Survey, it is essential that we have the right expertise to support our clients in navigating this dynamic risk landscape,” Fox said in a statement.
“I am delighted to welcome Jamie to our London cyber team. He brings deep technical expertise, strong broker relationships and a proven track record of profitable portfolio management.”
Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension schemes, has announced the appointment of Mike Eakins as chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approval. Dom Veney will continue to serve as interim CEO until Eakins formally joins.
Eakins will move to PIC following the completion of Athora’s acquisition of the firm. He currently serves as chief executive officer of retirement solutions and asset management and group chief investment officer at Standard Life plc. Prior to Standard Life, he spent more than 14 years as a managing director at Goldman Sachs and qualified as an actuary with EY.
“I am delighted that Mike will be joining PIC at such an important moment in the evolution of the business. He is a highly regarded leader with deep industry experience,” said David Weymouth, chairman of PIC.
Eakins said: “I have long admired what the team at PIC have achieved, so I’m very excited to be joining them as CEO. PIC’s clear sense of purpose is fundamental to the success of the business and is something I want to build on, working with the current leadership team and Athora.”
AXA XL has appointed Sebastian Weaver as head of energy, UK & Lloyd’s, effective Q3 2026.
Based in London, Weaver will be responsible for developing, executing, and managing underwriting strategies for AXA XL’s UK & Lloyd’s Energy business, with a focus on profitable growth, effective risk management, and market development.
“Our energy offering has scale and breadth, assisting all players in the future energy mix of renewable energy, decarbonised technologies, and more traditional energy sources,” said Louise Nevill, chief underwriting officer specialty, UK & Lloyd’s at AXA XL.
“Sebastian’s experience will complement our energy offering. He has an excellent reputation, a proven track record and the expertise required to help clients navigate evolving market cycles and uncertain risk landscapes.”
