First Actuarial Promotes Four Senior Actuaries to Partner

First Actuarial Promotes Four Senior Actuaries to Partner

First Actuarial, which operates under the Gallagher umbrella, has appointed four new partners from within its own ranks. Marcos Abreu, Andrew Allsopp, Carl Fletcher and Scott Harrison all step up from associate partner, a tier introduced in 2024 to identify and hold onto high-potential professionals.

The four bring a mix of leadership and technical expertise. Andrew Allsopp, who joined the firm two years ago, has been building its Birmingham presence from the ground up. Marcos Abreu helps steer the Tonbridge office and holds nine Scheme Actuary appointments, while also leading the London team. Carl Fletcher heads the firm’s benefit corrections and data audit services and manages employee share scheme valuations. Scott Harrison, a 17-year veteran of the firm, is known for his reliability and hands-on problem-solving.

Managing Partner David Joy said the new partners demonstrate “entrepreneurial flair” – winning new business, driving efficiency and mentoring colleagues. He added that as the firm integrates more tightly with Gallagher, these appointments will strengthen leadership and client service.

What the Partner Elevations Signal About First Actuarial’s Strategy

Associate Partnership as a Retention Tool

The 2024 creation of the associate partner layer was a deliberate step to retain talent in a competitive professional-services market. All four had progressed through that channel, suggesting the model is working as intended. It gives high-performers greater responsibility and visibility without waiting for a full partner slot, which can help prevent poaching by rival consultancies.

Geographic Footprint Deepens in the Midlands and South East

With Allsopp anchoring the Birmingham office and Abreu playing a central role in Tonbridge, the promotions reinforce two regional hubs outside London. This aligns with a broader trend among advisory firms to serve local clients with dedicated local leadership, rather than running everything from a single head office. The steady hiring in Birmingham, noted by Allsopp, points to sustained demand in the West Midlands pension advisory market.

Integration with Gallagher Offers Scale

First Actuarial’s identity as “a Gallagher Company” provides a larger platform for talent and client referrals. The promotions come as the firm becomes increasingly woven into the parent group, which could open doors to cross-selling with Gallagher’s broader insurance and risk management services. For clients, the deeper leadership bench may translate into more continuity and specialised attention.