Miller moves top leadership: Collins to step down as CEO, Clarke retire

Independent specialist re-insurance broker  Miller has shuffled its top leadership with Greg Collins (pictured, right) stepping down as its chief executive officer (CEO) and succeeding Graham Clarke who will retire.

James Hands (pictured, left) will succeed Collins as new CEO of  Miller. Collins will move to become chair of the partnership board, succeeding Clarke.

The changes will take place on January 1, 2023. Leading up to then Hands will become CEO designate.

Hands is currently joint head of special risks for  Miller and a member of the group executive committee. In addition, he is also the executive sponsor of  Miller's Pride Alliance, whose goal is to ensure LGBTQ+ inclusion across the company. Hands joined  Miller from Aon in 2015 where he was managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Collins was appointed as CEO in 2017, having joined  Miller in 2004 to lead the professional risks business.

Clarke became chair of the partnership board in 2017 having previously held the position of CEO of Miller from 2000-2016. He joined  Miller in 1982.

Clarke said: “ Miller has been fortunate to have had a truly outstanding CEO in Greg, he has successfully overseen the business’ return to independence while building on the culture and values that have always made this organisation special. I have no doubt that James will be a great successor to Greg and am proud to be able to retire from my role as Chair of the Partnership Board with the business in such fine shape.”

Collins added: “It is an exciting time for  Miller and, as we look to accelerate our ambitious expansion plans, now is the right time for James to step into the role of CEO. In the last few years James has been responsible for overseeing some of our key growth areas and has been closely involved in a number of the strategic hires and acquisitions we have made recently. His energy, passion for what we do, and knowledge of our culture make James a natural fit. He will be supported by both an excellent senior leadership team and the outstanding talent we have throughout our business.

“I would also like to thank Graham. After 40 years at  Miller, his impact and legacy cannot be overstated. He has been central in helping create the business we are today, and I know I, like many others, have greatly benefited from his wisdom, direction and experience.”

Hands commented: “ Miller is a fantastic business, and I am delighted to be appointed to the role of CEO at a time when we have so much opportunity ahead of us. It is my belief that  Miller's client-first culture and longstanding heritage as one of the leading brands in the market gives us a unique platform from which to deliver on our strategic growth plans. With support from our shareholders, we will continue to invest in the talent and capabilities needed to deliver these plans as we look to further scale our offering in Europe, Bermuda and Asia. I am also pleased that we will continue to benefit from Greg’s insight and guidance as our new Chair and look forward to continuing to work closely with him.”

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