London FOIL President Looks Ahead to 2024

Some news from London FOIL, plus a look ahead to 2024;

Fleur Rochester, (below) Partner at law firm Kennedys, has been appointed President of the London Forum of Insurance Lawyers (London FOIL) and will lead the organisation through next year.  London FOIL is a division of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL), which focusses on the challenges facing the global insurance and reinsurance markets operating in England’s capital.

Fleur succeeds Toby Vallance, Partner at DAC Beachcroft, who acted as President at a particularly difficult time, when the insurance market faced the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war, just as many had been hoping the business world would finally begin recovering financially from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pressures on the London (re)insurance market today stem from an uncertain geo-political, financial and regulatory landscape, that is characterising the nature and volume of claims.  Fleur has over 20 years’ experience in the industry, advising insurers in the London and specialty markets, so is perfectly positioned to lead the legal profession in how best to support insurer clients with the continuing challenges they face: the ongoing local and global political and economic situation, digitisation (of the business world affecting cover and claims, and of the insurance industry itself), claims inflation, ESG issues including the transition to clean energy and promoting diversity, inclusion and wellbeing, as well as increased regulation of the industry, its stakeholders and its clients.

With the entire insurance industry facing such an unprecedented level of challenge, FOIL and London FOIL members will continue to support insurers in navigating legal risks during these difficult times, and help them to make the most of opportunities.

Alexander Penberthy, Partner at Birketts, will take up the position of Vice-President of London FOIL, supporting Fleur in all of the division’s activities.

Commenting on her appointment, Fleur said: 

“I am thrilled to be appointed as London FOIL’s president. The London (re)insurance market has a challenging year ahead, which will be influenced by numerous external factors: geopolitical tensions, the general election, ESG initiatives, regulation and digitisation – all of these mean (re)insurers are under more pressure than ever before.  

“As president, I will support London FOIL members in navigating this new territory and finding the best legal solutions to the issues they face. 

Commenting on Fleur’s appointment, FOIL CEO Laurence Besemer said:  

“Fleur has been a member of the London FOIL executive committee for some time now and is well-aware of the pressures on the London Market and legal challenges it may face in these uncertain times. She is the perfect candidate to guide the division into 2024.  

“So much change has happened in the past year, and so quickly. London FOIL will, as always, use the combined knowledge of its members to inform its thinking and develop practical solutions to the pressures the industry is facing in 2024.”