First Actuarial Adds Four New Partners
First Actuarial, a Gallagher Company, has appointed new partners from within its existing ranks. Marcos Abreu, Andrew Allsopp, Carl Fletcher, and Scott Harrison each earned the promotion from internal roles.
A path to partnership that starts inside the firm
The appointments signal that the firm is leaning on internal talent as it integrates more deeply with Gallagher. David Joy, Managing Partner at First Actuarial, said the new partners represent a client-first approach.
“We’re more than happy to recognise their efforts,” he said. “We’re dependent more than ever on exceptional professionals who bring skills, achievement and a positive mindset to our business.”
They previously held the associate partner title, a level the company created in 2024 to recognize standout performers and give rising actuaries more influence before full partnership. The structure appears to be working as intended — each of them moved up through that layer rather than joining from outside.
That internal progression matters for a firm that has been growing its regional offices. The promotions also arrive at a moment when the actuarial sector is competing hard for experienced professionals. Keeping people inside the organization, with a clear route upward, is one way to hold onto talent that might otherwise be poached.
From Birmingham to Tonbridge, different routes up
Andrew Allsopp joined First Actuarial two years ago and has focused on building its Birmingham office. He previously owned Quattro, a Midlands pensions consultancy that was acquired by Broadstone.
“Building the Birmingham base of First Actuarial has been a rewarding challenge,” he said. “Our headcount is increasing steadily as we grow our West Midlands client base.”
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Marcos Abreu joined the company in 2019 and works out of the Tonbridge office, where he holds 12 Scheme Actuary appointments.
Alongside those duties, he leads the London team and contributes to company-wide initiatives.
He described its approach this way: “The firm trusts me to get things done, while offering a sounding board when I need it.”
Carl Fletcher balances Scheme Actuary work with his role as Head of Benefit Corrections and Data Audit Services.
He also handles employee share scheme valuations.
“First Actuarial has given me the ideal environment for finding business opportunities and developing them,” he said.
Scott Harrison is the longest-serving of the group, with 17 years at the company.
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He joined as a summer intern in 2007 and has watched it change since.
“Associate partnership was an invaluable opportunity, giving me more influence when helping to develop colleagues in a positive way to improve the firm,” he said.
The new partners took different paths, but their promotions share a common thread: all of them had already been doing work that looked like partner-level responsibility before the title was official.
The company has essentially been testing people in leadership roles and then formalizing those roles once the results were clear.
What the new partners bring to the leadership team
David Joy emphasized the commercial side of the appointments. “All four new partners demonstrate entrepreneurial flair, able to win new business, drive efficiency and bring their colleagues along,” he said.
“I’m delighted to be in business with them.”
He also connected the promotions to its future with Gallagher. “As we become an increasingly integrated part of Gallagher, we see these appointments further strengthening our leadership team and enhancing the service we provide to clients.”
