Insurer
Allianz commits to investing in local structure to support brokers
“The strength of the Allianz commercial business in the UK is without doubt our local, regional capability in those markets and the ability to deliver,” Allianz Holdings CEO Colm Holmes told Insurance Age.
Profits drop at Allianz Holdings in first half 2023 as GWP tops £2bn
Operating profit fell 5.5% at Allianz Holdings in the first six months of the year to £112.8m as the combined operating ratio deteriorated to 96.6% from 96.0% in the same period of 2022.
Tradex capacity growing to £450m after Pollen Street deal
As part of the Pollen Street Capital acquisition, Tradex’s capacity is growing from around £100m of gross written premium to £450m, Markerstudy group chief underwriting officer Gary Humphreys told Insurance Age.
Brokerbility’s John Dunn on how to counter poor insurer service
Intermediaries do not have to accept poor insurer service and be done with it, argues Brokerbility managing director John Dunn. Strategic partnerships and a better use of data can help improve trading and smoothe the client-broker relationship.
Hiscox grows UK commercial book as retail division COR improves
Hiscox has reported 4% growth in the UK for the first half of 2023.
Interview: Jacqui Kelly, Zurich
Jacqui Kelly was the architect behind Zurich’s new Club Blue proposition that offers a wide range of broker support. Appointed interim sales and distribution director last month, she tells Insurance Age how Zurich’s ‘winning culture’ will sway brokers.
Ex-Ardonagh and Gallagher leader Mark Mugge moves from Lucida to Optio
Mark Mugge has left motor specialist broker Lucida Group to be chief financial officer of managing general agent Optio Group.
‘Disappointing’ – brokers react to Zurich personal lines broker exit plans
Brokers have expressed disappointment at Zurich’s plans to exit personal lines motor and home on broker panels.
Markerstudy investor Pollen Street gets PRA approval for Tradex deal
Markerstudy’s owner Pollen Street Capital has completed the delayed purchase of motor trade and taxi specialist insurer Tradex after getting the greenlight from the Prudential Regulation Authority, Insurance Age can reveal.
RSA slips to half-year loss
RSA Insurance Group has reported a £9m post-tax loss for the first half of 2023, slipping into the red after a profit of £192m in the same period last year.
Swindle targets doubling Ardonagh UK commercial MGA in three years
Ardonagh’s UK Commercial MGA CEO Jaime Swindle is targeting doubling the size of the business in the next three years taking it into the region of £500m gross written premium.
Howden’s Dual swoops for bloodstock MGA
Dual has bought David Ashby Underwriting, a specialist bloodstock and high-value sports horse insurance managing general agent.
Aviva expands appetite to boost sustainable building projects
Aviva has expanded its underwriting appetite to include engineered timber in commercial developments following a pilot, which saw it working with a handful of developers on sustainable building projects.
MGA-backer Bridgehaven secures A- rating from AM Best
Bridgehaven CEO Paul Jewell has hailed the business securing a high level rating from AM Best.
Ardonagh’s UK commercial MGA adds ex-Aviva leader Jackman as sales director
Former director of regional brokers, strategy and propositions at Aviva, Karen Jackman, has joined Ardonagh’s UK commercial MGA as sales director, Insurance Age can reveal.
Opinion: From AI to ChatGPT - adapting cover to match the ever-evolving cyber risks
The technology and telecommunications sector is far from immune to cyber attacks, says Mark Armstrong, class manager technology at CNA Hardy, as he explains how the constantly evolving world of technology is attracting the attention of cyber hackers.
MGA bolsters team following resignations amid Ardonagh staff interest
Managing general agent Mercia Underwriting says it has bolstered the team after a number of staff resigned from positions.
Flood Re names Bridget Rosewell as chair to succeed Mark Hoban
Flood Re has appointed Bridget Rosewell as non-executive director and chair-designate to succeed outgoing Mark Hoban, taking up the chair post at the end of September.
HDI recruits new director of underwriting and cyber lead from Chubb
HDI Global has made several senior appointments in its UK & Ireland branch, including a new director of underwriting, Antonia Osborne.
UK commercial hardening drops to 1%
Insurance pricing in the UK commercial market rose by only 1% in the second quarter of 2023, according to Marsh, its lowest rate since Q4 2018.
Abacai CEO Mark Wilson resigns as director as DLG/M&A speculation ramps up
A trio of co-founders at private equity-backed insurtech Abacai Technologies, including former Aviva Group CEO Mark Wilson, have resigned as directors, Insurance Age can reveal.
People Moves: 24 – 28 July 2023
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Foley confirms Fleming as interim Axa Retail boss
Soon-to-be Axa UK and Ireland CEO Tara Foley has revealed the appointment of her successor, naming Anna Fleming as interim Axa Retail CEO.
Drone MGA Moonrock to target brokers after getting FCA authorisation
Drone insurance specialist managing general agent Moonrock is to up its efforts to court the broker market after receiving full authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority today, Insurance Age can reveal.