Judges

Adam Harper is Executive Director, Strategy, Advocacy and Professional Standards at CII, joining the Institute in March 2025. Adam is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the CII’s strategic plan, for delivering intelligent analysis and informed views on insurance and financial planning as part of a compelling public agenda for change, and for ensuring that the CII’s professional standards are a source of guidance and pride for its members.

Adam has over 20 years’ experience at Executive Director level within the professional membership body sector. Prior to joining the CII, Adam was Director of Professional Standards and Policy at the Association of Accounting Technicians where he led the development and enhancement of AAT’s professional standards regulatory framework and was responsible for AAT’s public policy and public affairs strategy.

Angela Irvine ACII is the Regional Sales Director for Howden Corporate and Commercial in the Midlands. She has over 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry, bringing extensive knowledge across the insurance market. Having started her career with Norwich Union, she moved into broking after a couple of years and went on to establish her own brokerage before becoming a director of a large Midlands brokerage. Angela moved to her role within Howden last year. 
 
Angela has recently completed her two-year tenure as Chair of BIBA in the West Midlands, where she played an active role in promoting professional standards, developing future talent, and supporting best practice across the broker community. She is also a past President of the Birmingham Insurance Institute and is involved with the Insurance Cultural Awareness Network (iCAN) and is a big advocate of promoting insurance as a career to those from all backgrounds. 

Ben Macrow has nearly a decade of experience in the insurance industry and is an Account Executive within the Gallagher Commercial Team in Wales. He is a passionate advocate for the insurance profession and is widely recognised for his contribution to promoting the industry and supporting the next generation of brokers.

Ben made history as the youngest ever Regional Chair of BIBA South Wales & West, where he continues to play an active role championing the profession. He will also be hosting Young Broker Day at the BIBA Conference 2026. Alongside his BIBA work, Ben sits on the Insurance Institute of Cardiff, having held several roles including President of NOVUS, the Institute’s young professionals’ group. During his presidency, he was awarded the NOVUS Impact Award.

In 2023, Ben was named one of Insurance Business’s Top 25 Insurance Brokers. Outside of his professional role, he is a board member of the Dreams & Wishes Charity, supporting seriously ill children and their families.

Holly Shepherd is the CEO of Shepherd Global, a leading global insurance services firm. With over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Holly has built a reputation for her expertise in driving business growth and fostering strong client relationships across international markets. Under her leadership, Shepherd Global has expanded its operations and services, delivering innovative solutions to clients in various sectors.

Holly is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the insurance industry and has served on several advisory boards. She is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance and professional excellence.

Julia Coakley is Chief Operating Officer at the Managing General Agents’ Association, bringing extensive experience across the insurance sector.

Full bio to follow.

Marc Hargreaves is President of the Insurance Institute of Manchester and Portfolio Underwriting Lead for Zurich Private Clients. He leads underwriting strategy and governance for complex, high‑value personal lines portfolios, working closely with underwriting, pricing and risk engineering teams to deliver sustainable and well‑controlled growth.

Marc has nearly 20 years’ experience in the insurance industry, having started his career on a graduate underwriting programme and developed experience across UK and international markets. In his current role, he works closely with specialist brokers, valuing long‑term relationships, technical dialogue and consistent underwriting standards.

Marc has volunteered with the Insurance Institute of Manchester since 2010 and, as President, is focused on member engagement, professional development and strengthening the profile of the insurance profession across Greater Manchester.

• Decade of insurance experience
• Professional Risks Executive for Brown & Brown.
• Degree in History and Cert CII qualified.
• Previously worked at Marsh, Bluefin and Aviva.
• Regional Chair of BIBA West of England
• Gracechurch voice of the Broker Champion
• Committee member of Bath Young Professionals
• Named rising star of insurance 2023 by Insurance Business Magazine