Hampden Group has announced the retirement of Neil Smith as CEO of Hampden Agencies. Smith will retire from his role at the end of January 2023, after 14 years of steering the largest members agency at Lloyd’s. Under his leadership, the business has more than doubled its capacity under advice and provided clients with a consistently outperforming-Lloyd’s underwriting return. He will be succeeded in the role by Alistair Wood, current director of Hampden Agencies and head of research, subject to regulatory approval. Wood has led Hampden’s Lloyd’s syndicate research team for a number of years. Sarah Wilton, chair of Hampden Agencies, says: “Neil’s contribution both to the Hampden Agencies business and to private capital in the Lloyd’s market has been hugely important and we wish him well in his retirement. Alistair represents the next generation of leadership and I wholeheartedly endorse this appointment.” Lord Strathclyde, Hampden Agencies chairman designate, adds: “I have always been impressed with Neil’s dedication and eye for detail in his management of Hampden Agencies. I am equally delighted that someone with the depth of knowledge and thought that Alistair possesses will be taking on the CEO role.” Lord Strathclyde will take on the chairman role of Hampden Agencies at the end of 2022, subject to the necessary approval from the regulatory authorities.
