I remember Leslie from so far back, standing with him in queues for various underwriters, he always has a steady supply of jokes and stories to keep everyone amused. At the time I had no idea that I would end up being one of those underwriters he queued for. After that, we had several successful and very enjoyable trips to the US. Not only was Leslie fun to be around, with such a wide interest in music (although I can’t say I bought too many of the CD’s he recommended 🤣), he was also an accomplished broker and producer, and even when he was grumpy because he didn’t like the terms, we could still laugh about it later. He was also a pretty awful golfer, which meant we were a good pairing and had great fun spraying golf balls in just about any direction except the green we were aiming for.   Leslie will be missed and very fondly remembered by so many.  …

A true gentleman, a great colleague and a supportive friend.  Many fond memories….

And so the last glass of chilled Grillo has been sunk, and only the happy memories remain.  For me and I’m sure like so many others, Leslie was a key feature in my time growing up in the D&O market.  From a (slightly) scary figure to be feared in my early days, over the years he became a true friend and confidante by the time he retired.  Passionate about so many things, especially his cricket and love of obscure new bands, he was also hugely generous with his time and was always looking to help more junior people in the market develop their own careers.  At his most eye-twinkling mischievous somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd bottle, I will always remember his common declaration that “I love Enoteca because they always serve the white wine nice and cold….” – unforgettable because he said it every time we went there without fail! RIP pal x…

Shocked and saddened to hear Leslie has left the party early.  Leslie’s enthusiasm for life and sense of fun made him ageless to those around him.  We have lost a good friend and stalwart of the D&O market.  My thoughts are with his family and close friends who will feel the huge hole he has left behind….

Like many in the market I am sure,  i have such fond memories of Leslie.  I remember way back when I visited Dubai for the first time, Leslie proved a great travel guide.  I have since passed on tips of the country to others, but probably nowhere near with as much fun that Leslie showed me.  I also enjoyed the cricket and talking about the latest band he’d just seen.  You will be missed by so many. RIP in sir, you were an absolute pleasue to know and to work with….

My experience of working with Leslie goes back to 2006, when he was introduced to me as the D&O guru that was going to overcome all of the market challenges we were experiencing at the time. Whether it was wordings, pricing, disclosure or the need for local paper in Outer Mongolia, Leslie was the guy to explain everything.  And he did this, and more, not only by relating his experiences, but also with humour and, usually, with great patience and that mischievous twinkle in his eye. Beyond his encyclopaedic knowledge of insurance he was, as others have commented, an expert on cricket, beer, wine and, let’s be honest, just about any subject we got into conversation about. In the pub I assumed it was usual for brokers to tease their clients, but it was only after he retired that I learned just how unique he was. Thank you, Leslie, for guiding and supporting me for more than a decade. You will be greatly missed by the clients, colleagues, family and friends that have had the pleasure of coming into contact with you….

Leslie, It’s so very sad to hear that you didn’t get to enjoy your well-earned retirement.   What a gentleman, full of humour, knowledge and kindness.   In the short time I knew you, you always put things to one side to help me and you always made time for some cheery chat to brighten even thee greyest of days.   I feel priviledged to have known and worked with you.    My heart goes out to Deborah and your family for their untimely loss, which is way too soon….   Best wishes Lynn…

I didn’t know Leslie for very long but I will always remember him fondly for helping me settle in as a newbie in the world of insurance. He was always kind, funny and I particularly enjoyed our lengthy morning conversations about cricket, cricket and more cricket! Sending my best wishes to all of Leslie’s family and close friends. Saurav…

As I sit here and raise a glass of Gavi to my wonderful colleague, friend, confidant and mentor,  Leslie, I am reminded of all the wonderful memories we have shared over the years.  He will always be our Christmas party Santa with his Christmas jumpers and musical Christmas tree that we’d set off on purpose because it was so loud and annoying!  Our office “grumpy grandad” and king of karaoke.  He will be remembered for his eclectic musical taste, his zest for life, real ale and cricket. But to me, he was the person who introduced me to fine Italian wines and espresso coffee during our yearly birthday lunch at Enoteca. The person who I would have a sneaky pre-Exec meeting gossip with. The person who came to my wedding with his wonderful, beautiful wife Deborah. The person who saw me at my best and my worst. And most importantly the person who was the kindest, loveliest “work-dad” who gave the best advice (and the best hugs) when I needed them. Leslie, I am going to miss you so much.  Thank you for just being you. Melanie, Jason & Adam xxx…