Gallagher Leaders Scrum winners revealed

Back for a third year running, the Gallagher Leaders Scrum is an exclusive mentoring programme which provides coaching to business decision makers to help them drive further value for their business. Delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby, the programme places a focus on coaching leaders on how they can further develop their leadership skills and get the most out of their teams.

The eight business owners that have been selected now have exclusive access to mentors from the world of business and sport as well as coaching and networking sessions. Participants will also have access to specialist guidance and support from Gallagher’s extensive network of insurance and risk management professionals which are based in offices across the UK.

Winners of the Gallagher Leaders Scrum have also been rewarded with a VIP package that includes a luxury business retreat at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir and a number of Gallagher Premiership Rugby prizes. The event includes a panel event where they will receive insights from experienced business and rugby professionals to elevate their business, including Dragons' Den star Sarah Willingham, ex-England player Ugo Monye and Red Roses most capped player, Sarah Hunter.

This year’s Gallagher Leaders Scrum Winners are as follows:

• Jonathan Russell, Chief Executive at Cowdray Estate in Midhurst, West-Sussex
• Stacy Hunte, Co-founder of Thoth London Ltd
• Paul Edwards, Chief Executive at CHP
• David Metcalfe, CEO at Verdantix
• Richard Mills, Chief Commercial Officer at Cellula Robotics Ltd
• Rebecca Bennett, CEO and Founder of The Solid Bar Company
• Will Christie, Founder of Christie Yachts
• Richard Sigsworth, Park Development Director at Omar Group

Winners will also receive hospitality tickets to the 2025 Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final, tickets to an additional Gallagher Premiership Rugby match, a signed rugby shirt from a team of their choice, one to one business leadership consultation, access to an exclusive LinkedIn group of UK business leaders, access to business development events for networking and one-month free of Gallagher Cyber Security.

Nick Harris, CEO of Gallagher’s UK & Ireland Retail Division, said: “We are delighted to be bringing back the Gallagher Leaders Scrum for the third year running as it has proved to be a highly valuable programme that helps leaders grow their businesses.

“We are looking forward to supporting our winners with specialised coaching opportunities and bringing them together so that they can share experiences and insights. The Gallagher Leaders Scrum is part of our commitment to supporting UK businesses and ensuring that they are fully equipped to take on the challenges that they face.”

Sarah Willingham commented: “We have such a great mix of businesses taking part in this year’s Gallagher Leaders Scrum and I am looking forward to meeting and coaching our winners. Mentoring is so important and can really make a difference in terms of success and helping business owners unlock their potential. I’m delighted to be part of such an impactful programme and to be able to support other business leaders so that they can continue to thrive.”

Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at Premiership Rugby, said: “We are proud to support Gallagher in its mission to helping leaders grow their businesses and face challenges head on. The Gallagher Leaders Scrum is a fantastic initiative that provides business decision makers with unique opportunities to network, share knowledge and gain valuable mentoring.”