Our People

Chris Holt MBE

Chief Executive

Chris Holt is the founder and Chief Executive of CHC Global, having established the business in 2016. He is highly regarded in the Lloyd’s Insurance Market and has a reputation for “playing with a straight bat”. He is widely recognised for his work in terrorism, political violence, kidnap for ransom, cyber and extortion, from both an insurance and advisory perspective.

Chris has an unfaltering energy for this unique sector and believes that success lies with talented people and nimble technology. Chris has led the development of a number of award-winning insurance technology platforms, and he builds on this knowledge and experience to propel the CHC group forward.

Anyone who has been in Chris’s company will know how much people matter to him, be that his team, his clients or his contacts. A naturally charismatic leader, his team works shoulder to shoulder to realise CHC’s ambitions, upholding his values and always with the positive energy that comes simply working as part of a great team.

Previous experience and interests: Chris spent 10 years in the Royal Engineers and joined the Lloyd’s insurance market in 2008. He is a strong supporter of veterans’ charities including the Lloyd’s and City of London branch of the Royal British Legion. Chris was appointed MBE in 2004 for services to Bomb Disposal.

Sally Seaman

Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant, Sally Seaman, joined CHC in 2020 and works alongside Chris Holt and the CHC Board. She supports the leadership team in the running of the business and ensures effective and efficient access to the CEO and board of directors.

Sally is held in high esteem by both her colleagues and peers, who call out her outstanding professionalism and intelligent approach. 22 years’ service in the Royal Navy have brought huge depth and breadth to her life experience; her assimilation of knowledge and understanding of threat and risk are founded on a solid professional background. Sally always faces the most challenging or difficult scenarios with a clear plan and a composed approach.

Previous experience and interests: During her time in the Royal Navy Sally was located in the UK and also overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following her military career, Sally undertook roles in commercial organisations before taking a four-year sabbatical to accompany her husband on a military posting to California.

Jerry Smith OBE

Senior Partner & Head of Advisory

Jerry heads up the CHC Advisory business, working with the insurance industry, blue chip companies, national governments, supra-national organisations and international NGOs.

Jerry is recognised globally as one of the leading experts in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive materials (CBRNE) and advises CHC clients on risk management, crisis response and operational resilience projects.

Jerry has over 30 years’ experience within the British Army, UK Civil Service and the United Nations, as well as the private sector; he has worked in over 40 countries on four continents. He was the Head of Operations for the verification, disablement and initial removal of Syria’s declared chemical weapons’ arsenal, was a senior advisor to the United Nations and a Director in the international chemical watchdog, the OPCW.

Jerry is very considered in his approach and always takes time to gain a deep understanding of his clients’ needs and concerns. He is methodical and rigorous in how he tackles each and every project, is straight-forward in approach, never over-complicating issues and always communicates in a jargon-free way.

Previous experience and interests: Jerry holds an MBA and BEng (Hons) from Cardiff University. He also holds a post-graduate diploma in Weapon Effects on Structures and is a member of the Institute of Explosive Engineers. He is a visiting fellow at Cranfield University. He is an author, interviewee and consultant for BBC, CNN, CBS and SKY as well as the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Foreign Policy Magazine and The Guardian. Jerry is a trustee of ServeOn, an international natural disaster response charity. In 2015 he was awarded an OBE for services to international arms control and WMD counter-proliferation.

Richard Harris-Deans

Partner & Director of Advisory

Richard joined CHC in 2020, working as a Director on the  advisory side of the business. Richard leads on analysing strategic security issues, including advising clients on their exposure to terrorism and political violence.

Richard effortlessly grasps the complexities of our projects and his deep analytical capability means he approaches his work through a macro and a micro lens; he has a remarkable ability to identify and draw together the smallest of facts which on their own are inconsequential but collectively could have a considerable impact. Richard is familiar with decision making at a national and global level and brings a unique perspective to our work at CHC.

Previous experience and interests: Prior to joining CHC Global, Richard spent 13 years working for the British Government at the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.  He focussed on national security issues including geopolitical developments and strategic threats, including terrorism, nuclear proliferation and the actions of hostile nation states.

Ben Hawkins

Partner & Director of Advisory

Ben joined CHC Global in September 2021, working within the Advisory Team. A chartered engineer, with degrees in Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Battlespace Technology, Ben is a keen advocate for technology and innovation. He also holds a Certificate in Terrorism Studies from the University of St Andrews and is a Member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

At home in the most demanding and high- threat environments, Ben is expert at quantifying, qualifying and managing perilous risks. He leverages this experience to deliver complex, technical projects to the most exacting of standards; always placing client success above all else and developing pragmatic solutions in an open and collaborative way.

Previous experience and interests: Previously a Royal Engineer Bomb Disposal Officer and Advanced Search Advisor, Ben commanded on operations in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cyprus and Canada; he has also supported the Home Office on UK Counter Terrorist operations. Ben led the development of a number of Counter Threat techniques, including the procurement of special projects equipment to mitigate the risk of Improvised Explosive Devices. In addition to his military experience, Ben has worked as a construction management consultant, supporting clients on multi-million pound construction programmes around the world.

Claudia Palmer

Project Coordinator

We set the bar high at CHC Global, both in terms of the quality of our outputs and the international standards we adhere to. An experienced project and proposal analyst, Claudia joined CHC in January 2022 as a Project Coordinator on our growing Advisory Team. Implementation of our quality management systems and processes, ensuring project due diligence, quality, time and budget management all fall under Claudia’s remit. In addition Claudia will be at the forefront of developing our project proposals ensuring rigorous checks and balances are in place in relation to setting budget, timeline and resource requirements ensuring our clients can be confident in the information presented to them. Complementing this, Claudia also works very closely with our 20+ project associates who, with a diverse range of experience and expertise, are routinely called on to provide input across our projects.

Previous experience and interests: Prior to joining CHC Global Claudia pursued a successful career managing projects for a health services provider. She has a BA (joint honours) in French and Management from the University of Reading.

Alex Theodosiou

Senior Associate

A terrorism and insurgency specialist with an impressive back-book of experience, Alex joined CHC Global in 2021 as a Senior Associate within the Advisory Team. The depth of Alex’s knowledge is vast; after completing a BA in History and War Studies, Alex went on to secure an MA from the King’s College London War Studies Department. Following this Alex spent several years working as a researcher which has provided him with valuable insight into international terrorism, militant groups and threats right across the ideological spectrum; he has also covered counter-terrorism, counter-extremism and counter-insurgency issues. Building on this outstanding knowledge-base, Alex went on to hold several analyst roles at Janes Terrorism and Insurgency Centre before joining CHC.

Alex provides malicious risk intelligence across the Advisory Team, supporting clients’ risk management programmes, critical decision making and duty of care responsibilities. He also plays a key role undertaking qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) providing unique insights for our clients.

Previous experience and interests: Alex has a genuine interest and curiosity around international terrorism, political violence, extremist ideologies and terrorist financing; in addition to his research work he has published several articles and papers. He also has experience working in think tanks focused on radicalisation and extremism, including at George Washington University’s Program on Extremism in Washington DC.

Julian Vero

Senior Partner & Head of Broking

Julian joined CHC Global in December 2022 as a Senior Partner and Head of Broking. He brings a wide array of knowledge and experience to the role having initially joined the insurance sector in 2005.

Julian has an intimate knowledge of the malicious risk insurance sector with specialisms in energy and with high-net-worth individuals.  He has a keen interest in geo-politics and macro-economics and has an instinctive ability to frame complex problems within the bigger picture. This, together with his engaging and thoughtful approach, means he provides an outstanding service to our clients. Julian is a Chartered Insurance Broker and is ACII qualified.

Previous Experience: Julian spent 13 years in the insurance sector starting his career as a broker at Marsh (MMC) and finishing as Head of Natural Resources at Willis Towers Watson for CEEMEA. He then completed a stint as a super yacht broker before family circumstances necessitated a new direction and he established Ironbridge.life where he remains a director.

 

Ashley Coles

Partner & Senior Broker

Ash joined the Broking Team in November 2023 focussing on hostile environment and kidnap for ransom lines of business. He has impressive worldwide experience, and a passion for keeping up to date with global events. As a cheerful and conscientious individual, he forms close relationships with his clients, be it families or companies, and takes pride in forming a deep understanding of their requirements and business operations. Ash seeks to help his clients minimise risk and always responds to incidents with a cool head and an experienced approach.

Previous Experience: Ash began his career as an underwriter focussing on kidnap for ransom and maritime piracy policies. He then moved into the broking world with Jardine Lloyd Thompson with a remit to advise clients on kidnap for ransom insurance and political and security evacuation programmes. Ash was stationed in Hong Kong from 2014-2019 where he opened the first Security Risks Desk in Asia to respond to clients’ requirements for a broad array of malicious risk products. In 2019 he moved to Price Forbes, with a secondment to Kuala Lumpur where he was dedicated to Asian clients purchasing high risk insurance policies for their overseas operations.

Thea Grootenhuis

Broker

Thea is the backbone of the Broking Team and has a thorough appreciation of our clients’ needs and the sectors in which they operate. She is extremely competent and confident in her approach and is always prepared to go the extra mile and put in the hard graft, determined to do the right thing.

Thea has been with CHC since 2018, where she has helped build the K&R, Terrorism and Political Violence book. She will advocate for her clients every step of the way and is extremely effective in representing their interests to the insurer and responder, often in the most challenging of circumstances.

Thea is intelligent and analytical, has an impressive knowledge of the most complex products and a deep understanding of the risk environments of our broad field of work. Thea has an academic background in political science and a genuine and keen interest in both the broking and advisory sides of the CHC business.

Previous experience and interests: Thea has a politics degree from the University of Exeter and prior to joining CHC completed internships at S-RM and Berry, Palmer and Lyle.

Mike Paddock

Broker

Mike joined CHC Global in February 2022. He brings an extremely high level of professionalism to his role and has a very strong client focus combined with a practical and pragmatic approach to getting things done. With these skills and expertise from his military background, he has helped develop an impressive book of business focused on the Defence and Security sector.

Prior to joining CHC Global, Mike started his insurance career with the help of the Lloyd’s Military Network having completed the intern scheme; going onto work in project management, followed by account management and underwriting roles.

Previous experience and interests: Mike has a degree in International Relations from the University of Westminster focusing on international security and terrorism. Mike is also an Army Reservist, serving with 7 Rifles since 2010.

Matthew Dawes

Senior Partner & Chief Finance Officer

Mathew joined CHC Global in spring 2021 and plays a pivotal role as we scale-up and grow the business. He is transforming the day-to-day financial aspects of our company as well as leading on our strategic financial initiatives.

Matthew’s experience is broad, and he has a varied portfolio, from corporate leadership to managing a private investment office. His commercial expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, change and transformation projects.

Matthew has a razor-sharp intelligence and an inquiring mind. The energy and enthusiasm he has for his work are infectious, he is always good humoured and open and honest in his approach. Matthew always takes time to listen to others, share experiences and ensure everyone understands and is on board with what he is doing.

Previous experience and interests:  Following a degree in Physics from the University of Oxford, Matthew initially started his career practicing Law at Freshfields. The finance world soon beckoned, however, and Matthew made the switch to a new career where he has held positions at Barclays Ventures and KPMG. Mathew is also an accomplished triathlete.

Adam Thomson

Senior Partner and Head of Commercial

Adam joined CHC Global in September 2021 and leads on the development and execution of our commercial business strategies. He brings a wealth of practical experience in business growth within UK domestic and international insurance, broking, consulting, and advisory services. With over 30 years’ experience, Adam is extremely well respected and recognised as a market leader. Since 2008, he has led the global transformation of how medical and security assistance services actively align with key risks and insurances to support his clients enterprise risk strategies. He is a master at orchestrating pragmatic, aligned and integrated solutions for multi-stakeholder initiatives in complex environments.

Adam has a warm, collaborative, and inclusive style and the enthusiasm he has for his work is infectious. He is consistent in his approach and always has the client at the heart of his decision making; he is a firm believer in the value of operational detail and robust process in order to ensure that outcomes match expectations.

Previous experience and interests: Adam has previously held roles at Bupa, Mercer Consulting and International SOS working with clients in over 40 countries. He is constantly looking to test and develop his skill sets within different geographies and cultures.

Catherine Johnstone

Partner & Head of Operations

Catherine is Head of Operations for CHC Global and is held in extremely high regard by her colleagues. She has over thirty years’ experience working within law enforcement, including  roles as a Public Order Commander, Firearms Commander and Hostage Negotiator. She has expertise in ethical and complex decision making, often in high-risk situations, which makes her an invaluable member of the CHC team.

Catherine is an accomplished programme and project manager and is experienced in planning, implementing, delivering and overseeing multi-faceted operations at a regional and national level. She will play a crucial role in facilitating the continued growth of CHC and allowing the business to realise its ambitious plans. Catherine brings a practical and positive approach to her work and has a laser focus on the detail, no stone is ever left unturned.

Previous experience and interests: Inclusion and diversity within the workplace have been key interests throughout Catherine’s career. She has held the chair of various women’s networks and has supported multi-agency regional gender groups at board level.

Jenny Robertson

Partner & Head of Marketing

Jenny joined CHC Global in spring 2021 as the new Head of Marketing at a key inflection point for the business. Her wealth of experience and expertise in her field, enables Jenny to shape and oversee the development of the marketing, communications, and brand strategies for the business.

Jenny has a keen commercial outlook, a data-driven approach, and a strong creative flair. She has the expert-knowledge to develop insight-driven marketing strategies while at the same time has the hands-on experience to consistently deliver outstanding campaigns.

Jenny has worked with growing businesses for over 20 years, ranging from start-ups to multi-nationals and has experienced first-hand both the pitfalls and opportunities facing rapidly growing businesses. Jenny has a specific interest in brand experience and will be working closely with the expanded CHC team to ensure clients consistently experience the values and behaviours that make CHC unique.

Previous experience and interests: Jenny’s career spanned 18 years at Lloyds Banking Group where she held marketing positions across a number of commercial business units.  Following this she spent 7 years running her own marketing consultancies supporting growing businesses across the South West.

Yasar Rahman

Management Accountant

Yasar joined CHC Global in January 2022 supporting our Chief Finance Officer and Head of Operations with primary responsibility for the day-to-day financial aspects of our business.  Yasar thrives in fast-moving, high-growth environments, and has gained experience across a range of businesses and sectors; this experience sets him in good stead for ensuring our financial systems and processes run smoothly, our financial frameworks align with those of our clients, partners and suppliers and that we have great internal analytics to ensure we focus efforts and resource where they are most needed.

Previous experience and interests: Yasar has recently completed a professional apprenticeship in accountancy and a Level Four Diploma in Accounting from the Association of Accountancy Technicians (AAT).