Career File - Stuart Reid: Stuart Reid takes Arthur J Gallagher role

Reid will take up the position at Gallagher later this year, subject to regulatory approval, where he will be expected to oversee the integration of recent UK retail broker acquisitions and to develop the division's growth strategy.

The role of UK retail CEO at Gallagher has been overseen by chief operating officer Janice Deakin following the departure of previous divisional CEO Peter Blanc in October last year. Deakin also recently departed to join rival Towergate.

Commenting on the appointment of Reid, Gallagher International CEO Grahame Chilton said: "Stuart's unparalleled knowledge and experience in the UK retail sector make him the natural choice for this role. Throughout his career he has built successful broking businesses and overseen complex integration processes so understands the importance of empowerment within these businesses."

Reid, who has left Bluefin alongside CEO Mike Bruce, was appointed executive chairman of the broker in July 2013 following five years as CEO.

He joined Bishop Skinner in 1986 before leaving and co-founding Stuart Alexander in 1993. Stuart Alexander was acquired by Axa UK in 2007 along with Smart & Cook, Layton Blackham, The Davis Group and SBJ UK and became Bluefin Insurance Services.

Reid is also deputy chairman of the British Insurance Brokers' Association as well as the chair of the Chartered Insurance Institute's broking faculty board.