Experienced board member John Deane to take over from Jim McLaren MBE as NFU Mutual Chair
- Jim McLaren MBE stepping down as Chair after 15 years with NFU Mutual
- Experienced financial services director and Non-Executive NFU Mutual Board member John Deane to become Chair
- Non-Executive Director, dairy farmer and Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies Sarah Simpson taking up role of Vice-Chair
John Deane has been announced as the new Chair of NFU Mutual, taking over from Jim McLaren MBE, who will step down from his role on 31 December, 2026.
Jim McLaren will end his term after 15 years on NFU Mutual’s Board and seven years as Chair. During his tenure, NFU Mutual has continued to grow sustainably while supporting its members and the wider rural community through significant global geopolitical shocks and challenges like the Covid pandemic.
He will also leave his roles as Chair and Trustee of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, a body which supports charities in the UK connected with agriculture, the countryside and the insurance industry.
John Deane, who will become NFU Mutual Chair on 1 January 2027, has over 30 years’ board experience in mutual, listed and private companies, and has been a member of NFU Mutual’s Board since 2022.
An experienced director, John has held senior positions at several financial services businesses, including mutual insurer Royal London, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries.
He will be supported by a new Vice-Chair, Sarah Simpson, who will also succeed Jim McLaren as Chair and Trustee of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust. As well as being a co-director of a dairy farm in Scotland, Sarah is a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and has held senior positions within NFU Scotland alongside other high-profile roles within the farming industry.
Nick Turner, Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said:
“I’d like to thank Jim for all he has done for NFU Mutual during his impressive tenure. From backing good causes through the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust to helping keep farmers safe through our support of the Farm Safety Foundation, and all the work we do to pay claims, I have seen first-hand Jim’s commitment to shaping the lives of our customers for the better.”
Jim McLaren MBE said:
“It has been an honour to serve as Chair of NFU Mutual and to help shape the vital work we do in the rural community. During my time at NFU Mutual, we have continued to strengthen and evolve, delivering the products and services our customers need while safeguarding the Mutual and supporting our membership. Having worked with both John and Sarah, I know that as Chair and Vice-Chair they will make sure NFU Mutual continues to deliver the high levels of service and support for which we are known.” 
John Deane added:
“Under Jim’s stewardship, NFU Mutual has cemented its place as the UK’s leading rural insurer, going beyond simply providing cover, to help support rural lives and livelihoods.
“I look forward to continuing this work with my colleagues in the service of our membership, employees, agents and communities.”