London FOIL elects Toby Vallance as president

Toby Vallance, partner at law firm DAC Beachcroft, has been elected as president of London FOIL and will lead the organisation through the next year.

Vallance (pictured) succeeds Gavin Coull from law Birketts as president of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) division, which focuses on the challenges facing the global insurance and reinsurance markets operating in the UK’s capital.

With 16 years of experience in the insurance sector, Vallance primarily specialises in marine, energy and mining-related claims, alongside any related cyber risks.

He is also an expert on climate change risk and regularly advises clients on the broad implications of climate change for the insurance market.

Fleur Rochester, partner at Kennedys, has become the new vice president of London FOIL, and will work alongside Vallance.

Commenting on his appointment, Vallance said: “It is a privilege to be appointed as president of London FOIL in what is sure to be a challenging year ahead.

“The London market is facing global risks not seen at a level since the Cold War—we’re entering unfamiliar territory, and new and innovative solutions are needed to tackle these new challenges.

“I’m looking forward to working with [FOIL chief executive officer] Laurence and the membership to ensure that both FOIL and London FOIL can effectively help our insurer clients meet the demands facing the sector.”

Commenting on Vallance’s appointment, FOIL chief executive officer Laurence Besemer said: “Toby is a long-time member of London FOIL’s executive committee and knows the London market inside out—he is perfectly qualified to take the helm and lead the organisation during these uncertain times of financial turmoil across the globe.”

Image source: FOIL

Mark Dugdale