Young Members

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The Young Members’ Community (YMC) of the Insurance Institute of London (IIL) represents the future of the London insurance and financial services market – encompassing insurers, reinsurers, brokers, Lloyd’s, the LMA and the legal and financial services professions.

A message from our Chair: 

Hello, I’m Valtter Lehtonen – Chair of the IIL YMC. I currently work for Marsh in the Corporate Sales team, targeting new business in the retail, manufacturing and technology sectors.

I first got involved with the YMC when I moved to London in 2021, as I thought it would be a great way to build my network across the market and to learn more about the industry. I quickly saw the value of these events and it inspired me to get more involved.

Since joining, I’ve had the pleasure of working with passionate professionals from diverse walks of life in the insurance industry – from Underwriting and Broking to Claims, Insurtech, and Legal. Each of us brings something unique to the table, and together we aim to create events that will support young professionals in their development and careers.

As Chair, I’m excited to continue growing the YMC’s reach across the London insurance industry. We’re committed to delivering a mix of events that cover everything from technical knowledge, leadership skills, ESG, Diversity & Inclusion, and create networking opportunities every chance that we get!

Keep an eye out on this page for updates, or follow us on LinkedIn – but most importantly… come along to an event! Whether you’re new to the market or a few years in, I’m certain the YMC has something to offer.

I look forward to meeting many of you in the near future – and if you'd like to get more involved or have any ideas for events you’d like to attend, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Valtter Lehtonen Cert CII
Chair, IIL Young Members’ Committee

The YMC Winter Ball - our flagship event!

Twenty years after its inception, the Insurance Institute of London brought together over 1,000 young insurance professionals for the ever-glamorous YMC Winter Ball on 21 November 2025. 

Forthcoming YMC events

Thu 5 Mar, 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Steam Bar & Restaurant
YMC event
Booking closed
Mon 18 May - Fri 22 May
Kinlochmoidart, Scotland
Jack Watt, Founder, Climate Pursuits (& Climate & Sustainability, SVP, Marsh)Joss Carnegie, Farms Manager, Atlantic MaricultureJon Gibb, Fishery Manager, Salmon Scotland Fisheries FundDavid Stewart, MD, Atlantic Mariculture (& CEO Kinlochmoidart Estate)Mike Page, Senior Forest Manager, Scottish Woodlands
YMC event

Previous YMC events

Thu 19 Feb 2026, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Marsh
Kasia Lipinska, Automotive & Manufacturing Industry Leader, MarshPaul Cullum, Portfolio Solutions Senior Underwriter, XS GlobalMike Barrett ACII, Lead Underwriter, IQUWMichael Prendeville, Head of Transportation & Logistics, Navium Marine Limited
YMC event
Tue 20 Jan 2026, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Online event
Buki Mosaku, Insurance Corporate Sales Trainer and 'The Bias Navigation Expert'
YMC event
Fri 21 Nov - Sat 22 Nov 2025
City Central at the HAC
YMC event
Fri 17 Oct 2025, 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Online event
Jack Watt, Founder, Climate Pursuits (& Climate & Sustainability, SVP, Marsh)
YMC event

Meet the YMC

Valtter Lehtonen - Chair
Cert CII
Marsh
Valtter Lehtonen
Lucy Dargan
Cert CII
Howden
Lucy Dargan
Payal Gor
ACII
Aspen Insurance
Payal Gor
Thomas King
Cert CII
Lockton
Thomas King
Joseph Pellicci
Lilley Plummer Risks
Joseph Pellicci
Dan Pirozzolo
Dip CII
CNA Hardy
Dan Pirozzolo
Luke Sears
Munich Re Specialty
Luke Sears.jpg
Georgina Simister
Artificial Labs
Georgina Simister
Joshua Watkins
ACII
Convex
Joshua Watkins

At the YMC, our purpose is to bring people together by organising a diverse range of educational, practical and social events aimed at advancing your professional and personal development and helping expand your network by giving you the opportunities to make new connections. Whether you’re developing your technical knowledge, sharpening your soft skills, or looking to feel inspired, we’ll have something for you.  

From exploring market trends and learning how to invest, to salary negotiation skills workshops and fireside chats with some of the industry’s finest, our events are designed to add value and offer you unique insights.

The YMC’s annual flagship event, the Winter Ball, continues to be a roaring success – welcoming over 1,000 young professionals in 2025!

Be sure to follow our dedicated LinkedIn page to stay up to date with all YMC news, events and opportunities, so you don’t miss out on any future events!