Gallagher, a leading global insurance brokerage, has significantly strengthened its Private Equity and M&A (PEMA) practice in Europe with the strategic appointment of Tom Hughes as Director of Tax Insurance. Joining from EY, where he specialized in M&A tax, Hughes will commence his role in the UK on January 5, 2026. This key hire underscores Gallagher’s ongoing investment in specialized risk expertise, aiming to enhance its client-focused solutions for complex corporate transactions across the EMEA region.
Mr. Hughes brings a decade of experience as a chartered accountant and specialist tax advisor, having spent the last five years within EY’s Corporate M&A tax team. His most recent position as a Senior Manager in the International Tax & Transaction Services team provided him with extensive exposure to intricate cross-border deal structures and transactional tax advisory. This background equips him with a profound understanding of the multifaceted tax implications inherent in large-scale corporate activities.
In his new capacity, Mr. Hughes will report directly to Giles Hambly, Gallagher’s Head of Tax Insurance in the UK, playing a crucial role in advising clients on sophisticated tax insurance solutions. His expertise encompasses the entire deal lifecycle, from comprehensive due diligence and strategic acquisitions to complex disposals and intricate tax structuring. This holistic approach is vital for mitigating financial risks and optimizing outcomes for businesses navigating transactional landscapes.
The appointment of Mr. Hughes is part of a broader, concerted effort by Gallagher to deepen its bench of tax specialists across Europe. This strategic drive reflects the firm’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of clients engaged in mergers, acquisitions, and various other corporate activities. By investing in top-tier talent, Gallagher aims to solidify its position as a leading provider of tailored risk management solutions within the highly dynamic private capital sector.
Over the past year, Gallagher has actively pursued a series of high-profile hires throughout its European operations, systematically building a robust team designed to support a diverse client base. This expansion specifically targets entities undertaking complex M&A, those operating within the private capital landscape, and businesses executing a wide array of corporate transactions. The firm’s proactive recruitment strategy emphasizes comprehensive support for clients at every stage of their transactional journey.
These strategic additions extend beyond the UK, encompassing key markets across the continent. Notably, Gallagher recently welcomed Cristina Montserrat Chaparro Vaquero as a Senior Broker and Pau Lopez Fornons as an Associate Broker to bolster its support for clients in Iberia. Prior to these appointments, Joyce Koch and Vera Dembski joined as M&A tax insurance broking specialists, reinforcing services for clients across the Benelux region and Germany. All these professionals possess extensive experience gained from prominent “Big Four” firms.
The heightened focus on tax insurance specialists comes amidst a period of significant expansion within the UK tax insurance market, which has experienced substantial growth over the last half-decade. This surge is primarily attributable to sustained high levels of M&A activity, coupled with intricate company restructurings and the recapitalization of diverse investment portfolios. The increasing complexity of global tax environments further necessitates specialized insurance products to safeguard transactional value.
Steve Jones, CEO of Private Equity & Transactional Risks in the UK, emphasized the critical role of these market dynamics. “The UK tax insurance market has grown significantly over the past five years, driven by high levels of M&A activity, company restructuring, portfolio recapitalization and increasing complexity and risk in the broader tax environment,” Mr. Jones stated. His comments highlight the imperative for firms like Gallagher to offer sophisticated solutions that address emerging tax-related risks.
Gallagher’s proactive approach in attracting and integrating seasoned tax professionals signals its intent to lead in this evolving risk landscape. The firm recognizes that transactional risk mitigation, particularly concerning complex tax exposures, has become a cornerstone of successful corporate deal-making. By enhancing its capabilities, Gallagher aims to provide clients with greater certainty and protection in an increasingly volatile economic climate.
The strategic integration of specialists like Mr. Hughes and his European counterparts allows Gallagher to offer unparalleled insights and bespoke insurance solutions. This robust talent pool ensures that clients, whether they are private equity funds, mid-market enterprises, or multinational corporations, receive expert guidance tailored to their specific transactional needs. The firm’s commitment to localized expertise, backed by a global network, strengthens its competitive edge.
Ultimately, these concerted efforts reflect Gallagher’s overarching strategy to solidify its position as a premier global partner for transactional risk management. By continually investing in human capital and expanding its specialized offerings, the firm is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of international M&A and private equity markets, providing essential safeguards and strategic advantages for its growing client base.
