Markerstudy and Gallagher have announced senior appointments aimed at driving digital transformation and regional growth.
Markerstudy has appointed Tony Welch (pictured) to the role of chief procurement officer, a position that will see him oversee all end-to-end procurement activities for the group. Welch joins the firm with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector, most recently serving as the chief procurement officer at Lloyd’s.
His professional history includes senior roles at several prominent firms, including Close Brothers, JLT Group, Accenture, and Willis Towers Watson. According to a statement from Markerstudy, Welch is expected to focus on strengthening supplier governance, optimising risk-management frameworks, and embedding new digital capabilities.
“I’m excited by the opportunities and challenges this role brings,” Welch said. He noted that his primary focus would be to showcase the value of procurement as a “strategic enabler” while ensuring the company continues to innovate for its partners and customers.
Gallagher has announced two major leadership changes within the Romero Group, following the integration of AssuredPartners into the global broker’s operations in mid-2025. Jonathan Webb has been named the new regional managing director of the Romero Group, which encompasses the Club Insure, NDML, and Sentient brands.
Webb, who begins his tenure on February 23, brings nearly 40 years of industry experience to the role. He previously served as the managing director of Scotland for Marsh. Webb succeeds Simon Mabb, who will transition into an advisory role to support the ongoing integration of the business. Webb will report to Gary Fletcher, the managing director of commercial for Gallagher’s UK & Ireland retail division.
In a concurrent move, Gallagher has promoted Fiona McQuillan to the newly created position of commercial director of the Romero Group. McQuillan has been with the firm for 15 years, previously serving as operations director. Her new remit involves expanding the firm’s products and services across its offices in Leeds, Nottingham, Halifax, and Harrogate.
The appointments reflect a broader strategy by Gallagher to deepen its leadership capability as it merges various business units. Fletcher noted that the combined expertise of Webb and McQuillan would be a “valuable asset” as the firm looks to expand.
“We have made great progress on bringing the various AssuredPartners businesses into Gallagher over the last six months, and this work will continue over the course of 2026,” Fletcher said.
