Gallagher has appointed Kate Hulme-Vickerstaff as Chief Operating Officer and Mark Rowlinson as Head of IT (Platforms) to the UK Executive Leadership Team of its Benefits & HR Consulting division, Gallagher Benefit Services (GBS).
Both leaders previously held senior positions at First Actuarial, the pensions, benefits and actuarial consultancy acquired by Gallagher in December 2025. These appointments further strengthen the leadership team responsible for delivering Gallagher’s growth strategy across its UK Benefits & HR Consulting division while showcasing the depth of expertise that has joined the organisation through recent acquisitions.
In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Kate Hulme-Vickerstaff will report to David Piltz, Chief Executive Officer of Gallager’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division in the UK. As a member of the UK Executive Leadership Team, she will work closely with David and fellow senior leaders to translate the division’s strategy into clear operational priorities, plans and measurable outcomes. Kate will remain actively engaged with clients, bringing valuable market insight and client perspective to her leadership role.
Kate’s remit will include driving operational excellence, organisational effectiveness and continuous improvement. She will support the integration of acquired businesses and lead transformation initiatives that simplify ways of working, strengthen operational resilience and deliver sustainable benefits for clients and colleagues.
During her time at First Actuarial, Kate was a Partner and a member of the Management Board. She brings extensive experience spanning operational leadership, governance and business management.
A qualified actuary, Mark Rowlinson has more than 20 years’ experience in the pensions industry, with extensive experience in actuarial consulting and technology leadership. At First Actuarial, he led the modernisation of systems and processes and the development of the firm’s internal software development offering.
As Head of IT (Platforms) in the UK Executive Leadership Team, Mark will be responsible for the strategic direction, governance and ongoing evolution of the technology platforms that support the UK's growth ambitions. This will include Gallagher Guide, the employee benefits platform designed to simplify access to benefits and improve the employee experience.
Mark will work closely with business leaders, technology teams and Group Technology functions to maximise platform value, drive digital transformation and support improved customer outcomes. One of his priorities is to continue to scale the responsible use of artificial intelligence across the business.
Mark will work alongside Gill Rice, Head of IT (Infrastructure), to help ensure Gallagher’s technology strategy is positioned to support current operations and into the future.
David Piltz, Chief Executive Officer of Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division, said: “Kate and Mark are exceptional leaders who have already made a significant contribution to our business and our clients. Their appointments to the Executive Leadership Team reflect our commitment to recognising and developing leadership talent from across our acquired businesses. As we continue to grow, strong operational leadership and technology innovation will be critical to our success, and Kate and Mark are well placed to help drive that forward.”
Kate Hulme-Vickerstaff, Chief Operating Officer of Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division said: “It’s a privilege to join the UK Executive Leadership Team at Gallagher during such an exciting time for the business. Having spent all of my career working directly with trustees and sponsors, I know how important strong operational processes are to the quality-of-service clients receive. In the coming months, I will be working with David to transform our strategic ambitions into practical outcomes for clients and colleagues.”
Mark Rowlinson, Head of IT (Platforms) Gallagher’s Benefits & HR Consulting Division , said: “Technology has an increasingly important role in how we grow our business, support our colleagues and deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. It sits at the heart of how we operate, innovate and scale. I’m looking forward to building on the business’s successful integration of its acquired platforms and using technology to help unlock the next phase of growth, innovation and outstanding client service.”
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