London FOIL appoints new president to focus on pressing issues in 2022

London FOIL, an arm of the  Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) focussed on the global insurance and reinsurance markets including the challenges facing Lloyd’s of London, has appointed a new president and vice-president.

Gavin Coull (pictured left), a reinsurance partner at Birketts, has been appointed president of London FOIL. He will lead the organisation through the next year, succeeding Ling Ong of Weightmans. Toby Vallance (pictured right), partner at DAC Beachcroft, will become vice president, and will work alongside Coull.

In 2022, London FOIL plans to focus on pressing issues around climate change and diversity and inclusion, and their impacts on the London market.

With almost 25 years of experience in the sector, Coull primarily advises the reinsurers and insurers across a broad range of non-marine classes of business. He also has experience of litigation, arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in significant matters both in England and overseas.

FOIL chief executive officer Laurence Besemer said: “With a wealth of experience under his belt, and having been on the front lines of the London market at a particularly testing time for the industry, Gavin is well positioned to lead London FOIL in 2022. He will no doubt ensure that the organisation continues to be supporter of, and champion for, the London market.

“As someone who has been a part of London FOIL since the very beginning, I have every confidence that he will continue the great work the organisation has done over the past year and steer it to further success.”

Coull commented: “As one of the founding members of London FOIL, it is a privilege to become its President. In the wake of the pandemic, expectations around ESG and D&I are only growing. Insurers in the London market are increasingly conscious that those with which they work must also show an understanding of, and commitment to solving, D&I and ESG issues. It’s therefore imperative that their advisers – lawyers included – are fully engaged with and embrace these important issues.

“Since 2018, London FOIL has provided a strong and unified voice for lawyers working with London market participants.  Our organisation remains committed to helping them best support their clients in these challenging times.”

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