FOIL appoints Mark Huxley as CEO

The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) has announced the appointment of Mark Huxley as its new Chief Executive Officer, commencing on 1 October 2026. Huxley steps into the role after Laurence Besemer’s impactful 17-year leadership, during which FOIL successfully diversified its offerings. Now moving on to pursue new opportunities in consultancy within the insurance sector, Besemer will remain with FOIL until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Huxley boasts nearly five decades of experience in the insurance and financial sectors. His extensive career spans various roles, including frontline claims, the Lloyd's market, regulatory and operational functions, along with strategic consultancy. Since 2018, he has served as a Special Adviser for FOIL, and his involvement in the civic life of London further solidifies his commitment to the industry. Huxley actively supports initiatives aimed at promoting social inclusion, focusing particularly on education, employment access, and neuro-inclusion.

His presidency arrives at a turbulent time for the insurance industry, as emerging technologies—like AI and automation—pair with challenges such as fraud, regulatory scrutiny, and litigation funding. In light of these pressures, Huxley is dedicated to ensuring FOIL remains a relevant voice for its members. He stated, “I am delighted to take on the role of CEO and to build on the very strong foundations Laurence has created over the last 17 years." Huxley views his diverse experience as instrumental in addressing the evolving demands of insurers and their legal advisors.

Huxley’s agenda prioritises effective communication within FOIL and aims to enhance engagement across the wider legal and insurance communities. “Effective representation comes down to communication. FOIL has a voice, and I want to make sure that when it speaks, people listen," he asserted, underscoring the necessity for a participatory environment within the organisation.

His vision also focuses on maintaining strong relationships with FOIL's Trade & Industry Partners, recognising their crucial role in underpinning FOIL’s initiatives as the organisation progresses. Besemer, reflecting on his time at FOIL, expressed pride in what he has achieved: “I am very proud that FOIL has established such a solid place at the table with government, insurers and the wider industry. That has been the result of many years of work and of building a reputation as an independent voice and trusted partner."

Confident in Huxley’s capabilities, Besemer remarked, “Mark knows FOIL extremely well and has worked with us for many years. He understands the market, he understands the organisation and he brings his own ideas and perspective. I am confident that FOIL is in very good hands.”

As Huxley takes the helm, he plans to build on FOIL’s initiatives aimed at fostering the next generation of insurance lawyers, part of the “Tomorrow's FOIL” programme which seeks to engage those in the early stages of their careers. Extending outreach to students also forms a pivotal element of Huxley’s early plans, ensuring FOIL’s future is secured through the mentorship and development of new talent in the sector.