Gallagher Strengthens EMEA Private Equity & M&A Practice with Key Tax Insurance Hire
Gallagher continues to bolster its Private Equity and M&A (PEMA) practice in Europe, announcing the appointment of Tom Hughes as Director of Tax Insurance. Hughes, joining from EY, will focus on providing specialist corporate M&A tax advice to clients engaged in mergers, acquisitions, and other transactional corporate activities. This strategic hire underscores Gallagher’s commitment to expanding its specialist risk expertise and client-focused solutions in a dynamic and increasingly complex market.
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Expanding Tax Insurance Expertise Across EMEA
Tom Hughes’ appointment is a significant move for Gallagher, adding considerable depth to its tax insurance capabilities within the EMEA region. Scheduled to join the UK team on January 5, 2026, Hughes brings a wealth of experience honed during his five years at EY, where he served as a senior manager in the International Tax & Transaction Services team. His specialization in M&A tax makes him a valuable asset as Gallagher looks to strengthen its support for clients navigating complex transactional risks.
Gallagher’s strategic investment in tax specialists isn’t limited to the UK. Over the past year, the company has made a series of key hires across Europe, demonstrating a clear commitment to building a comprehensive team capable of supporting clients involved in M&A activities and operating within the private capital sector. This expansion includes appointments in Iberia (Cristina Montserrat Chaparro Vaquero and Pau Lopez Fornons) and Benelux/Germany (Joyce Koch and Vera Dembski), all individuals with extensive experience from “Big Four” firms. This coordinated effort signifies a proactive approach to meeting the growing demand for specialized tax insurance expertise.
Tom Hughes: A Profile of Expertise
Hughes’ background as a chartered accountant and specialist tax advisor for the last 10 years positions him perfectly to lead tax insurance initiatives within Gallagher’s PEMA practice. Reporting to Giles Hambly, Head of Tax Insurance in the UK, Hughes will leverage his comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end deal process. This includes due diligence, acquisitions, disposals, and tax structuring, providing clients with a holistic and informed approach to managing tax-related risks in M&A transactions.
His experience extends to 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 breadth of experience ensures that Gallagher can cater to the specific needs and challenges faced by different types of organizations engaged in corporate transactions. The addition of Hughes will allow Gallagher to offer more sophisticated and tailored tax insurance solutions, solidifying its position as a leading advisor in the market.
The Growing Importance of Tax Insurance in M&A
The strategic rationale behind Gallagher’s investment in tax insurance expertise is rooted in the significant growth of the UK tax insurance market over the past five years. This growth, as noted by Steve Jones, CEO of Private Equity & Transactional Risks in the UK, is driven by several factors, including high levels of M&A activity, company restructuring, portfolio recapitalization, and increasing complexity and risk within the broader tax environment. As businesses navigate an increasingly intricate regulatory landscape, the demand for specialized tax insurance solutions is only expected to increase.
Tax insurance provides crucial protection against potential tax liabilities arising from M&A transactions, offering businesses greater certainty and allowing them to proceed with deals with confidence. By mitigating the financial risks associated with unforeseen tax issues, tax insurance can facilitate smoother transactions and unlock greater value for both buyers and sellers. Gallagher’s proactive approach in building a team of experienced tax specialists, exemplified by the appointment of Tom Hughes, positions the company to capitalize on this growing market demand and provide clients with the comprehensive support they need to succeed in complex M&A environments.
Conclusion
Gallagher’s strategic appointment of Tom Hughes as Director of Tax Insurance is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing best-in-class solutions for clients engaged in Private Equity and M&A activities. By expanding its team of specialist tax advisors across Europe, Gallagher is well-positioned to address the growing demand for tax insurance and help businesses navigate the complexities of the modern M&A landscape. This investment not only strengthens Gallagher’s capabilities but also underscores the increasing importance of tax insurance as a critical tool for managing risk and maximizing value in corporate transactions.
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