Chilton to step down as head of Gallagher’s international unit

Grahame “Chily” Chilton will step down as chief executive officer of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.’s U.K.-based international brokerage and underwriting division and be succeeded by Simon Matson, the brokerage said Monday.

Mr. Matson is now head of Gallagher’s London Market and Alesco businesses and will assume the U.K. brokerage and underwriting chief executive officer role pending regulatory approval, the brokerage said in a statement.

Mr. Chilton was named CEO of Arthur J. Gallagher’s international operations in February 2015 and is a long-time leading figure in the London market. 

In 2013, he founded specialist reinsurance broker Capsicum Reinsurance Brokers L.L.P., a joint venture with Gallagher. He previously was chairman of Aon Benfield Group Ltd., having overseen the sale of Benfield Group Ltd., the reinsurance brokerage of which he was CEO, to Aon P.L.C. in 2008.

Mr. Chilton will resume his role as founder and chairman of Capsicum Re, a Gallagher spokeswoman said. 

“Chily has been an outstanding broker and entrepreneur who has led our 4,500-strong U.K. broking and underwriting teams to achieve fantastic client service and growth,” Gallagher Chairman, President and CEO J. Patrick Gallagher Jr. said in the statement.

“I am proud to have played a role in the U.K. business’ transformation over the past few years and to have led a team that is so rich in talent and diverse capabilities,” Mr. Chilton said in the statement. “I know the team will continue to achieve great things under Simon’s leadership.”