Ian McDonald is a Specialist Technical Insurance Loss Adjuster with a unique background in music and sound engineering, bringing over 40 years of experience in claims for the entertainment, media, and live event industries. His career began in music, where he toured with leading artists and worked in recording studios. Seeking a stable path, he transitioned to insurance in the late 1980s, joining Chartered Loss Adjusters and specializing in technical entertainment claims.
In 2001, Ian co-founded Adams Media Adjusting with colleague Nick Adams, a firm that later joined Sedgwick International. There, he became Director and Head of Media and Entertainment, managing high-profile claims for major clients such as Netflix, Warner Bros, BBC, and Sky TV. In 2023, he joined McLarens as Director and Head of Entertainment and Contingency Adjusting.
Ian has contributed significantly to industry efforts, including helping establish the UK Government’s Film and High-End Television Production Restart Scheme to address Covid-related production delays. An active member of the Professional Light and Sound Association and the Audio Engineering Society, Ian often provides guidance on risk management and policy development, and has served as an expert witness in court. Outside of work, he still enjoys applying his technical expertise to music, collaborating with touring bands and designing equipment.
Top 10 Notable Assignments:
- Major UK Broadcaster – Electrical Damage to bespoke Equipment – £5m
- Independent Film Production – Suspension following Cast illness – USD $7m
- Independent Film Production – Hurricane damage to Set construction and delay- USD $5m
- Music Festival Tech Provider – Fire damage to Equipment – EU €3.5m
- Major Film Studio – Fire USD $1m
- Advertising Commercial Producer – Accidental damage to “Hero” vehicles – GBP £500k
- Independent Film Producer – Cast member Accident – GBP £3m
- International Touring Band- Storm damage to Stage & Equipment- GBP £1.75m
- Central Government – Covid19 Restart Scheme – Multiple compensation claims- GBP millions.
- Music Touring Provider – Flood damage to Equipment – GBP £1.5m
Association involvement:
- Individual elected Member PLASA (Professional Light & Sound Association)
- Associate of the Audio Engineering Society
