Price Forbes has appointed Anthony Burnell-Nugent as chief executive of its marine division and named Paul Kearns chairman of marine, Insurance Marine News reported. The independent specialty insurance broker described the changes as part of its long-term succession arrangements, with the stated aim of maintaining leadership continuity as the marine business develops.
Kearns moves into the chairmanship after more than 20 years at Price Forbes. His new remit includes supporting the marine leadership team on the division’s longer-term development and strategic direction. The appointment keeps him involved in that work, with the broker saying it will continue to draw on his experience and advice under the new leadership structure.
According to Insurance Marine News, Burnell-Nugent joined Price Forbes in September 2026 from Miller Insurance Services. He had spent more than 13 years at Miller, where he had served as head of hull since 2018. His career also includes senior positions at Gallagher. Price Forbes has now promoted him to lead its marine operation as chief executive, alongside Kearns in the chairman’s role.
John Thompson, chief executive of Price Forbes Broking, credited Kearns with helping to build the marine division during his two decades with the firm. In comments accompanying the appointments, Thompson said the business would retain access to Kearns’s expertise through the chairmanship. He also welcomed Burnell-Nugent’s promotion and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the division’s next stage of growth.
Thompson said he expected to work with Burnell-Nugent on strengthening the broker’s offering to clients and trading partners internationally. Those comments set out management’s ambitions for the division rather than reported business results. The succession announcement centres on the two appointments, the continuing contribution expected from Kearns and the experience Burnell-Nugent brings from his previous insurance broking roles.