McLarens Will Appoint Ollie Waterman Regional Director
Ollie Waterman will lead regional Middle East operations starting October 1, 2026, as part of an EMEA integration strategy.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
McLarens has announced that commercial development director Ollie Waterman will serve as the new regional director for the Middle East beginning October 1, 2026. This leadership transition occurs as the firm works to integrate its regional operations with London and EMEA teams.
Why it matters
The appointment is a central component of an EMEA-wide strategy designed to build a more cohesive and integrated regional business operation. By aligning local leadership with broader international teams, the firm aims to streamline its service delivery across multiple specialty lines.
The leadership change involves the firm's Middle East business units, including property and casualty, construction, engineering, marine, and specialty lines. Operations are overseen in coordination with regional directorates and existing staff like operations director Mahesh Ganesan.
The players
Ollie Waterman
He is a chartered loss adjuster who currently serves as the commercial development director for the Middle East at McLarens.
Malcolm Addy
He is a long-standing member of the McLarens leadership team who is scheduled to retire from the firm at the end of 2026.
Mahesh Ganesan
He serves as the operations director for the Middle East at McLarens.
The details
Ollie Waterman, a chartered loss adjuster who moved to Dubai in 2022, will oversee the firm's diverse portfolio in the Middle East. He will succeed current leadership, with Malcolm Addy set to retire from the company at the end of 2026.
Timeline
Ollie Waterman moved to Dubai in 2022.
Waterman assumes the role of regional director on October 1, 2026.
Malcolm Addy retires from the firm at the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership shift reflects a broader industry movement toward centralizing EMEA operations to improve cross-border service efficiency. The integration of Middle East business lines with London-based support teams represents a strategic consolidation in a highly competitive professional services market.
Clients across the Middle East who work with McLarens can expect increased operational integration between local teams and global support centers. This transition signifies a long-term shift in how specialty lines, such as marine and construction engineering, will be managed across the region.
The takeaway
Effective leadership succession in professional services requires long-term planning and alignment with international corporate strategies. Organizations that successfully integrate regional management with global support teams are often better positioned to handle complex specialty business lines.
Further reading
Learn more about executive transitions in the industry in our /business/people/ section.
