Gallagher Taps Tom Hughes from EY to Bolster Private Equity and M&A Tax Expertise
Gallagher continues to strengthen its global Private Equity and M&A (PEMA) practice with the strategic appointment of Tom Hughes as Director of Tax Insurance in the EMEA region. Hughes, formerly a Senior Manager at EY specializing in M&A within the International Tax & Transaction Services team, will join Gallagher on January 5, 2026, bringing a wealth of experience in corporate M&A tax advisory to the firm. This move underscores Gallagher’s commitment to providing comprehensive risk management solutions to businesses engaged in complex transactional activities.
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The addition of Hughes is part of a broader initiative by Gallagher to deepen its specialist risk expertise and expand its client-focused solutions across Europe. By investing in top talent with specialized knowledge, Gallagher aims to provide unparalleled support to businesses navigating the increasingly complex landscape of mergers, acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. This strategic hire reflects the growing demand for sophisticated tax insurance solutions in the current market.
Hughes’ Expertise and Role at Gallagher
Tom Hughes is a chartered accountant with a decade of experience as a specialist tax advisor. His background at EY involved providing tax advisory services to a diverse range of clients, including private equity-backed portfolios, mid-market and fast-growth groups, and multinational corporations. This experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the entire deal process, from due diligence and tax structuring to acquisitions and disposals. Hughes’ expertise will be invaluable in helping Gallagher’s clients mitigate tax-related risks and optimize their transactional outcomes.
In his new role at Gallagher, Hughes will report to Giles Hambly, Head of Tax Insurance in the UK. He will be responsible for leveraging his deep understanding of the tax landscape to develop and implement innovative tax insurance solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients engaged in M&A and other corporate activities. His focus will be on helping clients navigate the complexities of tax regulations and minimize potential liabilities, thereby enhancing the overall value of their transactions.
Gallagher’s Strategic Expansion in Tax Insurance
The appointment of Tom Hughes is just one element of Gallagher’s broader strategy to build a leading tax insurance practice in Europe. Over the past year, the company has made a series of strategic hires across the continent to build a team capable of supporting clients undertaking M&A activities, those operating across the private capital sector, and those executing a broader range of corporate transactions and activities. These investments demonstrate Gallagher’s commitment to providing comprehensive risk management solutions to its clients.
Notably, Gallagher’s expansion includes the appointment of Cristina Montserrat Chaparro Vaquero as a Senior Broker and Pau Lopez Fornons as an Associate Broker to support clients across Iberia. In addition, Joyce Koch and Vera Dembski were appointed as M&A tax insurance broking specialists, supporting clients across Benelux and Germany. These individuals bring extensive experience from “Big Four” firms, further strengthening Gallagher’s ability to deliver expert advice and tailored solutions to its clients.
The Growing Importance of Tax Insurance in M&A
The demand for tax insurance has been steadily increasing in recent years, driven by several factors. High levels of M&A activity, company restructuring, portfolio recapitalization, and increasing complexity and risk in the broader tax environment have all contributed to the growth of the tax insurance market. As businesses engage in more complex transactions, they face a greater need for specialized expertise and solutions to mitigate potential tax-related risks.
Steve Jones, CEO of Private Equity & Transactional Risks in the UK, highlights the significant growth of the UK tax insurance market over the past five years. This growth underscores the importance of having a robust tax insurance strategy in place to protect businesses from potential liabilities and ensure the success of their transactions. Gallagher’s investment in specialist talent and expertise positions the company as a leader in this rapidly evolving market.
Conclusion
Gallagher’s strategic appointment of Tom Hughes, along with its broader investments in specialist tax insurance expertise across Europe, underscores its commitment to providing comprehensive risk management solutions to businesses engaged in M&A and other corporate transactions. By building a team of experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the tax landscape, Gallagher is well-positioned to help clients navigate the complexities of tax regulations, minimize potential liabilities, and achieve their transactional goals. As the demand for tax insurance continues to grow, Gallagher’s proactive approach ensures that it remains a leading provider of innovative and tailored solutions in the market.
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