Huxley to succeed Besemer as FOIL CEO

The Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL), a professional UK membership organisation established in 1992 that represents lawyers defending insurance-related claims, has appointed  Mark Huxley as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026.

Huxley, a renowned insurance professional, will be succeeding Laurence Besemer, who is moving on to pursue other ventures and consultancy projects within the insurance industry.

According to the announcement, Besemer will stay at FOIL until the end of the calendar year to ensure a smooth handover to his successor. 

Huxley brings almost five decades of experience across the insurance and wider financial services sectors, having worked across frontline claims, the Lloyd’s market, regulatory and operational roles, outsourced claims management and strategic consultancy.

He has also worked closely with FOIL since 2018 as a London Market FOIL Special Adviser.

“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 commented.

Adding: “FOIL is a hugely respected organisation, and I am proud to be taking it into its next chapter. Having spent my career within the insurance market, I understand the wider horizon of the UK insurance sector, while my years working with FOIL have given me a deep understanding of its members and the issues that matter to them.”

With experience across the sector, Huxley believes his broad perspective will benefit FOIL amid evolving technology, commercial pressures, and client expectations.

His key priority is maintaining FOIL as a strong, relevant voice through increased engagement across the 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. Just as importantly, I want everyone within FOIL to feel that they have a voice, that they are relevant and that the organisation reflects the issues that matter to them,” said the executive.

As the organisation moves into its next chapter, Huxley plans to expand the initiative “Tomorrow’s FOIL”, which focuses on the future of the legal profession.

This program supports insurance lawyers during their first five years in the field by promoting insurance law practice to emerging talent and broadening outreach efforts to students.

Reflecting on his time at FOIL, Besemer said: “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.

“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.”

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