Industry pays touching tributes to ‘London Market champion’ Tim Fillingham

Heartfelt tributes are pouring in from across the London re/insurance market to honour the memory of Tim Fillingham, a prominent broker and long-serving Aon executive, who passed away on May 13 after a battle with motor neurone disease. Highly regarded within the industry, McGill said Fillingham leaves an enduring impact among his current and previous colleagues at  McGill and Partners,  Aon, Torus, and StarStone Underwriting.

Fillingham had been diagnosed with the progressive condition for which there is no current cure. He fought the diagnosis with “great bravery, positivity and humour”, McGill and Partners said in a statement.

Fillingham began his career at Andrew Weir Insurance Brokers before joining Alexander Howden, ultimately becoming a part of Aon, where he dedicated nearly a quarter-century to specialising in both onshore and offshore energy risks. In 2000, Fillingham’s expertise led to his appointment as chairman of the natural resources division at Aon.

Following his departure from Aon in 2007, Fillingham played a pivotal role in the inception of an insurance startup, which later evolved into Torus. Throughout his tenure, he held various positions, progressing from chief marketing officer to chief operating officer and ultimately assuming the role of CEO under the StarStone Underwriting banner.

In October 2019, Fillingham joined McGill and Partners as head of energy. He stepped down from his duties at the end of 2022.

McGill and Partners issued a statement expressing “great sadness” while offering condolences. “We join with Tim’s colleagues and friends across the industry, and beyond, in sending our sincerest condolences to Tim’s family at this most difficult time. Both the company and the industry have lost an inspiring colleague of great character. He will be truly missed,” the company said.

Colleagues remember Fillingham as a “true gentleman” and inspiring “London Market Champion”

Fond memories of Fillingham continue to resonate among those who knew him. Described as a “true gentleman” and a supportive presence, Fillingham was recognised as an “inspiring colleague of great character”. One former colleague affectionately referred to him as the “Captain Flasheart of insurance,” while another hailed him as a “London Market champion”.

“I have so many great memories from working with Tim for nearly 10 years. He was such a gentleman, with so much energy and charisma, as well as being so supportive of people’s careers. He is sorely missed. Such a huge loss to our market,” said Sophie Russell, senior marine and energy liability underwriter at Tokio Marine HCC, on LinkedIn.

“Always a leader in his field of energy Broking, always pushing hard for his clients, always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye and a friend to so many across the market…so sad to hear this news,” said former AEGIS London CEO David Croom-Johnson.

Martin Reith, chief executive officer of Helios Underwriting, said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Fillingham’s passing. He said: “As a fellow Radlett man I have known Tim for many many years. An outstanding individual and a real loss. Gone far too early despite a brave battle. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Tim.”

Ray Jones, Executive director of natural resources at Willis, also noted: “A natural leader who leaves an indelible mark on the industry. Thanks for our days at Alexander Howdens, they were the best of times. You are sorely missed Tim, but your strength of character remains with us through the example you set us. RIP.”

Tony Ainsworth, a partner at Howden Tiger, described Fillingham as a “great person with so much fun and energy. A great mentor and motivational leader. At the end of the day just a great guy. RIP T.”

“The best and also the funniest boss, he made Torus an amazing place to work,” said Kerry Fox, executive assistant to CEO & head of administration at Hamilton. “The City has lost a great man but Tim gave us memories to smile and laugh about for a very long time!”

Jenna Kerr, group head of communications at Enstar, said: “I owe Tim a great deal during our times at Torus and StarStone; he helped shape the comms professional I am today. Such a charismatic, charming man and a huge loss to the market.”

Roger A. Oldham, founder & managing director at LMF, said: “Tim was a true gentleman and a real professional. He was always very supportive, considerate and kind, whenever I had the opportunity of working with him, during my time at Aon and whilst he worked at Startstone/Torus. A London Market champion who will be greatly missed.”

“Terrible news and disease. Tim always felt like the Captain Flasheart of insurance: invincible. His family should be immensely proud of what he achieved,” said James Nicholson, managing director at Marsh.

“A true leader who leaves many great friends all of whom have the utmost respect for him. And all of whom have fantastic memories of any time with him,” said Julian James , CEO, global markets, commercial P&C, Sompo International.

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