Callum Beaton has been appointed president of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), succeeding Nicola Stacey ACII, while Debbie Mitchell DipPFS serves as deputy president in 2026.
Beaton began his career in insurance broking in 1977 before moving into underwriting at Lloyd’s. He later spent nearly two decades in the captive insurance sector, including roles as chief executive of a captive management company and deputy chief executive of its parent group. Since stepping away from corporate roles in 2004, he has worked as an independent insurance consultant specialising in captive and cell captive arrangements.
Mitchell is a director at Aberdeen-based financial planning firm Atholl Scott Financial Services. She previously worked at Bowring Financial Services, part of the Marsh group, and at Scottish Amicable. Mitchell has held a number of roles within the Personal Finance Society and the CII, including chair of the North Scotland Region PFS and director of the PFS Board. She will continue to attend PFS Board meetings in an observer capacity.
Beaton says: “It is an honour to be appointed President of the Chartered Insurance Institute, having held membership with this body for nearing 50 years. I look forward to working with Debbie and all our colleagues as, collectively, we work to support our huge and growing membership, as well as the broader professional community in delivering on the CII’s core values.”
CII deputy president Debbie Mitchell says: “I am very pleased to have been appointed Deputy President of the CII, and to offer my support to Callum during his Presidency. The CII Group plays a vital role in strengthening and developing the insurance and financial planning sector, and it will be an honour to continue this important work while serving in this role.”
CII Group board chair Helen Phillips says: “We are delighted that Callum and Debbie will be serving as President and Deputy President of the CII in 2026. They bring an excellent range of knowledge, experience and expertise to the positions. I look forward to working alongside them to help deliver the CII Group’s mission to build public trust in the insurance and financial planning professions, and uphold the highest professional standards.”