Articles by Rosie Simms
Sarah Pritchard named first FCA deputy CEO
The Financial Conduct Authority has promoted Sarah Pritchard to the newly created role of deputy CEO.
Konsileo eyes international opportunities as US ‘heavy hitter’ added
Konsileo has added Joe Zuk, US insurance, operations and investment executive, to its board of directors to advise and support growth.
Ghost broker sentenced
A ghost broker has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months with a requirement to complete 150 hours of unpaid work, after selling two fraudulent motor insurance policies to unsuspecting members of the public.
People Moves: 2 – 6 June 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Mike Petchey promoted to Markel head of schemes
Markel has appointed Mike Petchey head of schemes to lead its broker-led specialist proposition.
Chris Bose named ABI director of general insurance and international
The Association of British Insurers has appointed Chris Bose as director of general insurance and international, joining from Nationwide Building Society.
Patons hones in on £35m target as it grows by 16.6%
Patons Insurance reached £31.5m of gross written premiums in the 2024/25 financial year, growing by 16.6% compared to the year before.
City of London Police leads nationwide crackdown on ghost broking
The City of London Police’s Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department has led a nationwide period of action targeting ghost brokers in a coordinated crackdown on insurance fraud.
Dual adds key appointments to the Midlands and South West
Managing general agent Dual UK has named Stephen Davis regional manager for the Midlands and South West and Jayne Sprigg business development manager of the Midlands, confirming it will be open an office in Bristol this year.
MGA Optio launches PVT product with Lloyd’s backing
Specialty managing general agent Optio Group has re-entered the political violence and terrorism market, securing Lloyd’s of London backing.
Interview: Keith Hector, Covéa
Keith Hector, commercial lines director at Covéa, looks to make e-trade limits more flexible, highlights “buoyant” schemes business, and teases new products as he targets £200m GWP in 2025.
Ex-RSA boss Lee Mooney named Markel UK MD as Neil Galjaard steps down
Neil Galjaard, managing director of Markel UK, will step down with Lee Mooney taking up the job towards the end of June, subject to regulatory approval.
People Moves: 27 – 30 May 2025
Stay in the loop with the latest insurance personnel moves.
Cotty eyes Bristol becoming Thomas Carroll’s largest region
Gareth Cotty, group chief commercial officer at Thomas Carroll, details the agility in being independent, opportunities for the Bristol office to become its largest region, and notes further buys and office expansions are not off the table.
Leicester-based broker strikes first acquisition
GOAT Insurance has purchased the full book of business from IGG Insurance, marking its first buy.
MyFirst CEO on social media opportunities and Gymshark founder taking a share
James Noble, CEO and founder of MyFirst, is aiming to create a brand every young person in the UK will know in three to five years by focusing on social media, and Gymshark founder Lewis Morgan has taken a 15% share of the business.
People Moves: 19 – 23 May 2025
Keep up to date with the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Aviva’s Yabantu: Consistency of strategy needed in mid-market
Michael Yabantu, head of mid-market at Aviva, highlights the need for consistency in mid-market underwriting strategy, and shares how the insurer is improving response times and refreshing products.
Hemming: Hiscox hungry for more schemes business in any area bar motor
Gareth Hemming, Hiscox chief distribution officer, has set his sights on high net worth, and told Insurance Age a quartet of “significant schemes” are on the way in the next three to four months.
Jensten’s £1m investment in fledgling brokers, one year on
Jordan Maskell, network director at Jensten Group, has updated Insurance Age one year on from the announcement of its plans to invest up to £1m through Coversure to help people start their own brokers.
Brokers stress the importance of claims support when choosing an MGA
Brokers have emphasised the importance of A-rated claims support when choosing a managing general agent (89%), according to research by MGA Corin Underwriting.
IFB warns on sharp rise in ghost brokers
The Insurance Fraud Bureau has launched a national campaign with the Association of British Insurers and City of London Police to raise awareness of the dangers of ghost broking with the fraud growing by over 50% in two years.
People Moves: 12 – 16 May 2025
Follow the latest personnel moves in insurance.
Biba 2025: Laura Hancock urges independents not to give up
Laura Hancock, managing director of Yutree Insurance, has urged independent brokers not to give up, as she acknowledged regulation and other factors being difficult at the moment.