Carmina Lees to lead Accenture insurance wing in UK and Ireland

Carmina Lees takes over as the head of Accenture’s UK and Ireland insurance practice amid a ’challenging period’ for the industry. She brings a quarter-century of experience in the sector, to help clients navigate the ongoing shifts.

Speaking on the news via a LinkedIn post, Lees said, “I am excited for this new challenge and bringing my cross-industry expertise into the mix. I would also like to extend a special thank you to all my colleagues, mentors, and clients who have been part of this exciting journey so far.”

Lees brings 25 years of industry experience to her new role. She has gained cross-industry expertise and knowledge of emerging technologies, enabling her to help clients achieve their strategic objectives and implement digital transformation agendas, particularly focusing on ESG and sustainability priorities.

Before joining Accenture in 2017 – when she became managing director for the firm’s financial services offering – Lees led the UK cybersecurity practice for global technology firm IBM. Spending 19 years with Big Blue, she served as a client executive, and was most recently vice president of the security business unit, where she led the UKI Security team in delivering high-value security solutions and consulting services.

Looking ahead, Lees’ new role will see her assist insurers, reinsurers, and brokers in advancing their digital initiatives, optimising operations, and achieving growth amid industry disruptions.

Earlier in 2024, a report from Bloomberg Intelligence, a provider of financial analysis and research, found that the UK’s insurance market was experiencing significant upheaval. In particular, it noted Allianz and AXA, two global insurers, implemented substantial rate hikes, which were much higher than comparative raises in other European markets – suggesting price increases for personal lines in the UK and Ireland indicated a more severe crisis and disruption in these regions.