Tolley to Lead Marsh’s New Sport, Entertainment & Media Group in UK, Ireland

Global insurance broker Marsh has created a dedicated Sport, Entertainment & Media (SEM) industry group in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Led by global events specialist Richard Tolley, the group brings together 60 client management, technical, placement and risk management specialists from across the business to support Marsh’s SEM industry clients – from small and medium-sized enterprises to global corporations – in mitigating the risks they face.

Tolley assumes overall leadership for the development of Marsh’s proposition for SEM organisations in the UK and Ireland, and joins Marsh’s Industry leadership team. Tolley joined Marsh in 1995 and will also retain his position as deputy leader, Global Sports & Events.

Edel Ryan is appointed as head of Strategic Business Development for the group. Formerly head of Media & Entertainment at JLT Specialty, throughout her career Ryan has focussed on risk transfers for content producers, media organisations, live entertainment, and sporting events.

Steve McGuinness, who was previously managing director, Bluefin Sport, becomes head of Sport, UK & Ireland, within the group. He has 30 years’ insurance broking experience and is one of the founder members of The British Association for Sport and Law. McGuinness will continue to be responsible for the management of the Bluefin Sport team.

Tolley reports to Charles Beresford-Davies, head of Industries, UK & Ireland. “The impact of COVID-19 on the sports, entertainment and media industries clearly presents great challenges for our clients.” said Beresford-Davies. The SEM industry team will play a role in expanding Marsh’s expertise for clients working through the current crisis and beyond, he added.