Gallagher promotes for new UK and Ireland chief operating officer as Crawford to retire

Gallagher has appointed James Whittingham as chief operating officer for its UK and Ireland business, with effect from April 2027.

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval and will see Whittingham join Gallagher’s UK and Ireland executive team, reporting to regional chief executive Michael Rea.

Whittingham will succeed current chief operating officer Charles Crawford, who is set to retire at the end of 2027.

Whittingham said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to build on the strength of the business and work with our talented teams to support our continued growth.

”Gallagher has a strong culture, ambitious plans for the future and, most importantly, great people.

”I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across the business to help turn that ambition into action, strengthen how we operate and ensure we continue delivering the very best for our clients.”

Internal appointment

Whittingham is currently chief financial officer for Gallagher’s UK and Ireland retail division, a position he has held since joining the broker in 2019.

He brings more than 25 years of experience to the new role, spanning insurance, financial services and business operations.

Before joining Gallagher, Whittingham held roles at Equiniti, RSA and RBS.

In his new role, Whittingham will take responsibility for supporting the operational strategy of Gallagher’s regional business while working alongside Rea and the wider executive team.

Crawford will remain with Gallagher until his retirement at the end of 2027, supporting the transition to the new leadership structure.

Rea said: ”As chief financial officer of our UK and Ireland retail division, Whittingham has a real understanding of the commercial and operational priorities that underpin our business and he brings strong financial, commercial and operational perspectives. Whittingham and Crawford will work together from April next year until the end of 2027 to ensure a smooth transition.

“I would like to recognise the enormous contribution that Crawford has made to Gallagher as COO, having joined us in 2016. Over the past decade, he has played a pivotal role in driving many major change programmes as well as overseeing our operations on a day-to-day basis.

”During his tenure we have gone through considerable growth and change and his leadership, judgement and commitment have been hugely valuable to our organisation.”