Marsh, a professional services firm specialising in risk, strategy and people-related services, has appointed Andy Start CBE as Senior Advisor, with immediate effect.
In his London-based role, Start will work with Marsh’s international businesses and global clients, providing advice on strategic implementation, risk and opportunity analysis, and leadership development.
Marsh said his experience in senior leadership positions would bring an additional perspective to discussions around complex business decisions, market challenges and organisational resilience.
Start has held senior positions across the aerospace, space and defence industries, as well as within the UK Civil Service. From September 2022 to April 2026, he was Chief Executive of Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) at the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
He also served on the MOD Board and held the position of the UK’s National Armaments Director. During his tenure, he led the establishment of the National Armaments Director Group, which consolidated defence equipment, digital and infrastructure functions to improve coordination and engagement with industry. In 2026, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Before entering public service, Start occupied chief executive, president and vice-president roles in divisions of international aerospace, space and defence businesses. His professional background includes corporate strategy, business transformation, supply chain management and international operations.
In addition to his advisory role at Marsh, he serves as Honorary Colonel of the 106th (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery, is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Royal Aeronautical Society, and sits on the strategic advisory board of Women in Defence.
Lisa Quest, CEO, Marsh UK, added: “Andy brings deep international experience and a proven track record of leading organisations through significant change. His strategic perspective and breadth of leadership experience will provide valuable insight to our clients as they make critical decisions and build greater resilience.”
Start commented: “The strongest strategies combine clear choices with disciplined execution. I’ve spent my career leading organisations through consequential decisions about where to invest, how to transform, and how to build resilience for what comes next. Marsh’s global reach and breadth of expertise create a powerful platform to help clients make those choices with confidence, and I look forward to bringing my experience and perspective to those conversations.”
