Our Story

As the Broking CEO and Managing Partner of Consilium, James Baird has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Formerly at Ed Broking, where he worked as director of its Strategic Risk Group, James works to ensure Consilium’s core values remain at the centre of new growth opportunities.

With a background in Professional and Executive Risk, James has a strong consulting approach. He brings experience in Client Services Excellence, Portfolio Management, Financial Risk and Professional and Personal Liability Risk to Consilium.

James began his career at Marsh, before moving to JLT and later to WTW. He was also a founding partner at Glencairn Limited.

As Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner, Paul Richards brings 33 years of industry experience to the Group. His specialist classes include Professional Risk, Directors’ and Officers' Liability, Cyber, Crime, Employment Practices Liability, Warranty and Indemnity, Tax Liability and Delegated risks. Paul’s sector experience lies in Financial Institutions, Professions, Asset Managers, Aircraft Leasing and Managing General Agents, covering locations globally.

Away from work, you will often find Paul taking his kids to rugby, dance classes and horse-riding - unless, that is, he is busy being in blockbusters, as Paul was once an extra in the movie ‘A Thin Red Line’ alongside George Clooney.

As Chief Operations Officer, Marie McCutcheon’s specialist class is Operations. With almost three decades of experience, Marie’s sector experience lies in Process Improvement and Transformation, TOM Design and Implementation, LEAN, DMAIC and Project Management, covering locations across the UK and EEA. Away from work, Marie has two black Labradors, Robyn and Bruce.

Nicola Chapman is the Chief Claims Officer, where she coordinates an efficient team, managing the claims for Consilium Insurance Brokers.

Starting in the insurance world in 1995, Nicola first worked as a Trainee Commercial Account Handler. Nicola joins Aventum after working for The Underwriting Exchange Limited for over 14 years and is looking forward to putting her years of experience into practice in a new environment.

Outside of work, Nicola enjoys a healthy lifestyle and spending time with her three children. A big fan of the outdoors, she has taken part in various runs and a couple of triathlons. She also likes to socialise, going to the theatre, reading and travelling to new places to explore different cultures.

Matt Pini heads up the Risk Solutions division at Consilium. Matt is responsible for the growth, development and profitability of the division, striving to achieve this by working closely with insurers and retail agents alike.

He joined the group in July 2015 and has spent a total of 29 years within the London market working for various Lloyd’s brokers. In that time he has forged strong relationships with underwriters that allow for the very best deals to be negotiated and transacted.

When he isn’t working for Consilium, Matt can be found running his son’s football team. He is also a pained Everton supporter.

As Managing Partner, Neal Hughes’ specialist classes include Professional Indemnity, Directors and Officers and Crime.

With 25 years of experience, Neal’s sector experience lies in all financial and professional institutions, covering the UK and offshore sectors.

Away from work, Neal is an FA qualified football coach with a degree in Psychology.

As Managing Partner, Nick Bachmann’s specialist classes include Financial Lines.

With 14 years of experience, Nick’s sector experience lies in Financial Services and Commercial, covering the UK, Channel Islands, Cayman Islands, Ireland and Luxembourg.

Outside of work, Nick loves all things sports and food related, enjoying travelling and socialising with friends and family.

As a Delegated Risk Solutions Senior Partner, Toby Gorman’s specialist classes are Casualty and Property. With 35 years of experience, Toby’s sector experience is within all lines of Property and associated classes, covering worldwide locations. Away from work, Toby is involved in yacht racing and is a keen skier and avid barbecuer.

As Senior Partner, Jack Anderson’s specialist class is Property. With ten years of experience, Jack’s sector experience lies in Mixed Real Estate Programs and Municipality Programs including Schools, Hotels, Industrial, Food, Agriculture and Residential, covering locations across the globe. As father to four children and a one year old bulldog, Jack is a big Newcastle United fan.

As Senior Partner within the Energy Risk Solutions team, James Williams’ specialist class is Property. With 24 years of experience, James’ sector experience lies in Energy, Power and Mining, covering locations internationally. If James wasn’t in insurance, he would be an archaeologist.

As Senior Partner, Thomas Noakes’ specialist classes are Marine and Cargo. With 14 years of experience, Thomas’ sector experience lies in Vessel Related Interests and Liabilities, covering locations worldwide. Away from work, Thomas has three dogs and two children. 

As Cedant Facultative Risk Solutions Managing Partner, Ross Beeden joins the Group following positions at JLT Fac and Besso Re. Away from work, Ross enjoys exercising, socialising, watching sport and playing golf, but most of his time is taken up with family life.

As Managing Partner, Simon Richardson’s specialist class is Property. With 20 years of experience, Simon’s sector experience lists in International Property, with a client base across the US, UK, SA and Middle East. Born in Yorkshire and a Bradford City fan with four young children, Simon attended high school in Miami before moving to Nova Scotia for university. 

As Managing Partner, Yaremis Hydes’ specialist classes include Property, Casualty, Professional Risk and Health and Benefits. With 15 years of experience, Yaremis’ sector experience lies in Construction and Commercial Property lines, covering the Cayman Islands. A self proclaimed travel blogger, Yaremis enjoys travelling and exploring new cultures.