Duncan Leask is a UK insurance leader with over 38 years of experience gained across leading UK insurers, MGAs, brokers, and Insurtech’s. From starting as a filing clerk at 18, Duncan has risen from post room to boardroom, with a focus on starting, growing and scaling insurance businesses. 

His early insurance grounding came with two stalwarts, General Accident and Norwich Union, before honing his skills in trading and driving growth at Independent Insurance Company across the regions and London market. 

Duncan now runs his own consulting business, Monuments Consultancy Ltd, serving as a NED, trusted board advisor to brokers, MGAs, Insurtech’s, and their leaders. His expertise lies in delivering hands-on advice to help leaders implement practical strategies that grow businesses, develop their people, and ensure clients receive exceptional products and service. 

With over 20 years as Head of Underwriting Duncan was integral to the success of two UK MGAs. He helped start and scale Fusion in 2001, which grew to over £100m GWP, and Aspen in 2011, achieving similar success. Both thrived by addressing client needs, selling on value rather than price, and differentiating through innovative risk management solutions. 

Duncan also brings broker-side experience, having transformed an independent brokerage into Scotland’s largest during his tenure as Managing Director. Joining in 2019, he grew the business from 30 staff and £13m GWP to 50 staff and £20m GWP within 20 months, all this during the challenges of lockdown. 

His broad expertise spans the UK regional market, London market and Lloyds of London syndicates, advising on team building, culture, strategy, distribution, operations, and underwriting disciplines.  He has a large C-suite network and through these matches needs and solutions in the marketplace. 

Beyond insurance, Duncan undertook a successful turnaround project as interim CEO of CentreStage, a large charity. He implemented governance changes, recruited a new Chair, CEO and management team, and now sits on its Board of Trustees, contributing to its risk and audit committee.