BPL appoints Grahame “Chily” Chilton as Non-Executive Chairman

BPL, the world’s leading insurance broker specialising in credit and political risk, has appointed Grahame Chilton (“Chily”) as Non-Executive Chairman. 

Widely regarded as a leading figure in the global insurance market, Chily has built and led businesses in the industry for over 45 years. As Chief Executive of Benfield, Chily transformed the business into the world’s leading reinsurance broker before overseeing its landmark c.US $1.25 bn sale to Aon in 2008. He subsequently founded Capsicum Re which quickly grew to a top five global reinsurance broker, before being acquired by Gallagher.

Chily said: “BPL is highly regarded as the best-in-class credit and political risk insurance broker with a distinctive specialism that sets it apart. The opportunity to advise the team at this pivotal stage of the company’s evolution is one that I’m excited to take on.”

The appointment of Chily coincides with regulatory approval being granted for Preservation Capital Partners’ (PCP) significant minority investment in BPL. The deal, announced in March 2025, will enable BPL to continue to grow and innovate in its core sectors with the backing of PCP’s extensive network and expertise as investors in specialist financial services sectors.

James Esdaile, Executive Chairman, BPL, said: “We are pleased to welcome Chily to the BPL Board as Non-Executive Chairman. His unrivalled industry experience will provide invaluable counsel as we embark on our next stage of growth, supported by PCP, and continue to enhance BPL’s market-leading position.”

Jatender Aujla, Managing Partner, PCP, said: “Chily is one of the most respected and accomplished leaders in the insurance broking industry, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the BPL Board. His track record of building market-leading businesses, makes him the ideal partner to support us and the team at BPL for the next phase of growth. We look forward to working closely with him as we continue to build on BPL’s success as the leading specialist in credit and political risk insurance.”

James Esdaile will continue to serve as Executive Chairman of BPL, with Chily serving as Non-Executive Chairman of the BPL Holding Company Board of Directors.